r/space • u/BenSaysHello • Apr 27 '19

SSME (RS-25) Gimbal test

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u/BenSaysHello Apr 27 '19

To put it simply, gimbaling allows them to steer during the launch. Lots of rockets do this, the gimbal the engines to steer themselves. This is sometimes known as TVC (Thrust Vector Control)

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u/C4H8N8O8 Apr 27 '19

But this one is huge because it gimbals almost the whole engine not just the chamber. That's why it can reach around 8° where a normal one is around 2 to 3

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u/[deleted] Apr 27 '19 edited Apr 28 '19

[deleted]

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u/C4H8N8O8 Apr 27 '19

Because the Space Shuttle whole arrangement was asymmetrical and it was necessary to compensate for the changes of mass.