Space Shuttle main engine thermal power
Space Shuttle main engine thermal power is the rate at which heat energy is produced by the engine's combustion during operation.
Also known as: SSME thermal power, RS-25 thermal power
How big is it?
12 GW · defined full-power thermal scale
Defined full-power thermal scale · defined calculation
Typical recorded range: 10 GW to 15 GW.
A little perspective
Space Shuttle main engine thermal power vs Three Gorges Dam rated output: power comparison
The rated output of the Three Gorges Dam is about 1.87 times the thermal power of a Space Shuttle main engine.
ENERGY EACH SECOND
Space Shuttle main engine thermal power is the rate at which heat energy is produced by the engine's combustion during operation.
Three Gorges Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the dam's generators are designed to produce.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Space Shuttle main engine thermal power
Defined full-power thermal scale: 12 GW; defined calculation; range 10 GW–15 GW.
A defined 12 GW thermal-power scale for one Space Shuttle Main Engine near full power. It is an order-of-magnitude combustion-energy calculation, not shaft or electrical output, and operating conditions change during flight.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined full-power thermal scale is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Three Gorges Dam rated output
Installed generating capacity: 22.5 GW; specified.
The Three Gorges hydropower station has 22.5 GW installed generating capacity. Actual output varies with water and operating conditions.
China Three Gorges Corporation — Three Gorges Project
The marked installed generating capacity is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 12 GW
We compare the thermal power of a Space Shuttle main engine. This is calculated from stated inputs and assumptions, not a direct measurement. The recorded range is 10 GW to 15 GW.
A defined 12 GW thermal-power scale for one Space Shuttle Main Engine near full power. It is an order-of-magnitude combustion-energy calculation, not shaft or electrical output, and operating conditions change during flight.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 GW | 10 GW to 15 GW | defined calculation |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePower and outputPower station1 GWPowerThe electrical power produced by a facility that generates electricity for distribution to users.
Around the same scalePower and outputThree Gorges Dam rated output22.5 GWInstalled generating capacityThree Gorges Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the dam's generators are designed to produce.
Nearest higher valuePower and outputItaipu Dam rated output14 GWRated installed capacityItaipu Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the Itaipu hydroelectric dam is designed to generate under standard conditions.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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