TGV Rockets Inc., from Maryland, is one of the private companies that has entered the race for the “X-Prize” with its Michelle carrier rocket.

-This vehicle carries six TGV engines that use JP-8 hydrocarbons (military kerosene) and LOX.

-TGV rocket engines are very simple. They are fed by pressurized tanks, and give 30,000 lbf of thrust, with an I_sp (specific impulse) of 275 sec.

-More specifically, they give 29,500 lbf at sea level and 35,500 lbf in vacuum.

-The power is controllable and the engine can be re-ignited more than 100 times, which is very interesting for its reuse.

-This engine is known by the reference RT-30. It has low maintenance and long life.

“TGV RT-30”

“Bench tests"