Orion Propulsion Inc. completed the first series of tests on a 100 lb. thrust oxygen/ methane reaction control system developed for NASA’s Crew Exploration Vehicle program, the company announced.

The thruster, developed under a joint contract awarded to Orion and HMX, was fired 40 times for a total of 90 seconds. The thruster also will be qualified for a variety of other propellants, including: propane/ nitrous oxide, ethane/ nitrous oxide, and hydrogen/ oxygen. Preliminary tests also have started for the thruster with a space nozzle.