The tests we did back then indicated that it would not be a big hurdle for the [space shuttle main engine] to achieve. But its a matter of getting started and having time to run the verification test program to satisfy everybody that it can meet the mission requirements. |
The whole initiative [NASA Administrator Mike Griffin] has introduced since he took over breathes new life into the propulsion industry. Before we were kind of in a going-out-of-business mode. |
We have been working with methane and talking about methane for 40 years. There has never been an engine produced that runs on methane. |
When the shuttle is retired I can immediately take the engine assets out of the shuttle program and fly them on these vehicles. |