Channel - Propulsion
Welcome to the NESC's Propulsion training video catalog.
NASA utilizes a broad range of propulsion system types, most common being solid and liquid chemical propulsion and electric propulsion. NASA also does research into airbreathing and advanced (non-chemical) propulson. This catalog contains training videos developed by NASA's Propulsion Technical Discipline Team (TDT). These training modules provide lessons learned and perspectives in propulsion engineering.
We will continue to add to this content and welcome your suggestions for additions (email larc-dl-support-nescacademy@mail.nasa.gov).
8/7/2025 6:46:55 PM
Channel Videos
5. Saturn Launch Vehicles: Engine Restart and Propellant Control in Zero-g
Discipline: Propulsion
What was S-IVB Zero-g Restart?
The lunar trajectory required that the engines of the third stage of Saturn V, the S-IVB, burn twice: once to get into the desired Earth orbit and again for the trans-lunar injection (TLI) to thrust the Apollo CSM and LM out of Earth’s gravitational field and toward the Moon. The S-IVB on-orbit restart was the first restart of a LOX/LH2 propellant engine in zero-g.
A large quantity of propellant would be left at the engine cut-off after the first burn. Engineers were concerned that the propellant slosh wave at engine cut-off in zero-g could not be settled in the aft end of the tank to be pumped into the engine for the mission critical TLI burn.
Drop-tower testing showed that the small ullage motors on the SIVB were unlikely to settle the hydrogen propellant. Engineers then added baffles in the S-IVB LH2 tank to reduce the slosh wave prior to the ullage motor burns.
George Hopson
8/29/2011 6:11:00 PM
5.1 Saturn Launch Vehicles: Engine Restart and Propellant Control in Zero-g (Lessons Learned)
Discipline: Propulsion
What was S-IVB Zero-g Restart?
The lunar trajectory required that the engines of the third stage of Saturn V, the S-IVB, burn twice: once to get into the desired Earth orbit and again for the trans-lunar injection (TLI) to thrust the Apollo CSM and LM out of Earth’s gravitational field and toward the Moon. The S-IVB on-orbit restart was the first restart of a LOX/LH2 propellant engine in zero-g.
A large quantity of propellant would be left at the engine cut-off after the first burn. Engineers were concerned that the propellant slosh wave at engine cut-off in zero-g could not be settled in the aft end of the tank to be pumped into the engine for the mission critical TLI burn.
Drop-tower testing showed that the small ullage motors on the SIVB were unlikely to settle the hydrogen propellant. Engineers then added baffles in the S-IVB LH2 tank to reduce the slosh wave prior to the ullage motor burns.
George Hopson
8/29/2011 6:11:00 PM
Culture at NASA, Lessons Learned Part 1
Discipline: Propulsion
Introduction
Although NASA is a government agency with strong links to the military, research, and academic communities, in many ways, it stands alone. No other organization can compare to NASA, with its history of leaving the Earth’s surface and its future of exploring the worlds around us. To meet the challenges of exploration and innovation, NASA has developed a unique internal culture. The following are several lessons learned by propulsion expert George Hopson, passed on to help guide newer members of the NASA community through its complex twists and turns.
George Hopson
8/29/2011 6:11:00 PM
Culture at NASA, Lessons Learned Part 2
Discipline: Propulsion
Introduction
Although NASA is a government agency with strong links to the military, research, and academic communities, in many ways, it stands alone. No other organization can compare to NASA, with its history of leaving the Earth’s surface and its future of exploring the worlds around us. To meet the challenges of exploration and innovation, NASA has developed a unique internal culture. The following are several lessons learned by propulsion expert George Hopson, passed on to help guide newer members of the NASA community through its complex twists and turns.
George Hopson
8/29/2011 6:11:00 PM
Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP) Training Course 01: Course Introduction
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
8/3/2016 8:21:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 02: Pre & Post Processor, Part 1 (Updated)
Discipline: Propulsion
Updated version
Dr. Andre LeClair
8/3/2016 9:30:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 03: Compressible Flow
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
8/3/2016 8:36:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 04: Resistance & Fluid Options
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
8/24/2016 5:40:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 05: Pre & Post Processor, Part 2 (Updated)
Discipline: Propulsion
Updated Version
Dr. Andre LeClair
9/1/2016 8:20:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 06: Fluid Transient
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 8:40:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 07: Mathematical Formulation
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 8:45:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 08: Tank Pressurization, Control & Relief Valve
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 8:50:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 09: Pressure & Flow Regulator
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 8:55:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 10: Cryogenic Propellant Loading
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 9:00:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 11: Data Structure
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 9:05:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 12: User Subroutine (Updated)
Updated Version
Dr. Andre LeClair
9/6/2016 10:07:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 13: Fluid Mixture & Two-phase Flow
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 9:10:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 14: Multi-Dimensional Flow Modeling
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 9:15:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 15: Rotating Flow, Turbopump & Heat Exchanger
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 9:20:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 16: Psychrometric Properties and Multi-Layer Insulation
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 9:25:00 PM
GFSSP Training Course 17: Model Integration & Future Developments
Discipline: Propulsion
Dr. Alok Majumdar
9/6/2016 9:30:00 PM
History of Nuclear Propulsion (air- and space-craft)
Discipline: Propulsion
Advanced Propulsion
Advanced propulsion technologies, including nuclear propulsion, are not new concepts for NASA. Advanced-technology
requirements for today’s missions were designed, developed and tested in NASA’s infancy. Nuclear-powered rockets, nuclear powered planes, single-stage-to-orbit vehicles, and ion propulsion systems were all proposed in the 1950s and 1960s. As time passed, and the political environment changed both in the United States and NASA, requirements changed and these programs were deleted.
In 2004, NASA was presented a new task of sending a crewed mission to Mars. This task will require technologies, such as ion propulsion, that allow long-duration flights to the Moon and Mars. This lesson will address only the implications of nuclear
propulsion.
George Hopson
8/29/2011 6:11:00 PM
Mediasite Showcase
Mediasite's the trusted cornerstone of any campus or enterprise video strategy. Our unyielding commitment to all things video helps you transform education, training, communications and online events.
Webcasting Video Content Management Video Delivery Integration Services Mediasite Community
Powered By Mediasite - Enterprise Video Platform