Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME)

The Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is a highly advanced rocket engine used on NASA’s Space Shuttle. It burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to produce enormous thrust, propelling the shuttle into space. Known for efficiency and reusability, the SSME can be shut down and restarted multiple times, helping control the shuttle’s ascent and descent. It operates at extremely high temperatures and pressures, using sophisticated materials and technology to ensure safety and performance. Overall, the SSME is a powerful, reliable engine that plays a critical role in enabling human spaceflight missions.