[Satellite TODAY 02-26-10] Orbital Sciences Corp. and Aerojet have initiated the AJ26 rocket engine testing process for Orbital’s Taurus 2 medium-class launch vehicle, the companies announced Feb. 25.
    Aerojet delivered the liquid-fuel rocket  engine to NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Orbital will use the engine to power the first stage of the Taurus 2.
    Orbital will test AJ26’s stand interfaces, engine handling processes and test configurations prior to the commencement of the series of hot fire tests that are planned to begin in April.
    “Each of the AJ26 engines that will be used aboard our Taurus 2 rocket will come through the Stennis facility for pre-launch acceptance testing prior to being integrated with the rocket.  We expect this extensive testing process and related activities will provide the Stennis Space Center with a meaningful boost in on-site activity,” Orbital President and COO J.R. Thompson said in a statement.