// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Thrust Vector
The direction in which an engine's thrust is applied, which can be adjusted to steer a rocket or aircraft. By changing this direction, the vehicle can change its course.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The directional orientation of the propulsive force (thrust) generated by an engine, which can be actively controlled (e.g., via gimbaled nozzles or thrust vectoring vanes) to provide attitude control and steering for rockets and aircraft.
BACKGROUND
Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited is an Indian private aerospace manufacturer and commercial launch service provider headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana. The company was founded by two former ISRO scientists, Pawan Kumar Chandana, and Naga Bharath Daka.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Thrust direction
- vectoring
- engine steering
- nozzle angle
USAGE NOTE
Thrust vectoring allows rockets to change direction during flight, even in a vacuum.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Thrust Vector.
Develops the Merlin and Raptor rocket engines, which utilize sophisticated thrust vector control via gimbaling for steering their Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship vehicles during launch, reentry, and landing.
An L3Harris Technologies company that is a major manufacturer of rocket propulsion systems, including the RS-25 engine for NASA's SLS, which uses advanced hydraulic thrust vector control systems for steering.
Designs and manufactures reusable rocket engines like the BE-3PM and BE-4, which incorporate gimbaled thrust vectoring for attitude control on its New Shepard and New Glenn launch vehicles.
Developer of the Electron launch vehicle. Its Rutherford engine utilizes a unique system with electric actuators for thrust vector control, moving away from heavier traditional hydraulic systems.
A leading producer of solid rocket motors (SRMs), including the boosters for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). Their SRMs use nozzles with complex TVC systems to steer the launch vehicle during initial ascent.
A key supplier of high-performance motion control systems, specializing in the design and manufacture of servoactuators used for thrust vector control on numerous launch vehicles, including the Atlas V, Ariane, and SLS.
The prime contractor for Europe's Ariane launch vehicles. They develop the Vulcain and Vinci liquid-propellant rocket engines, which are equipped with gimbaled nozzles for thrust vector control to steer the Ariane rockets.
Operates the Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy rockets, both of which rely on engines with proven thrust vector control systems. Their upcoming Vulcan Centaur will also utilize TVC on its BE-4 and RL10 engines for flight control.