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 of power
Defined full-power thermal scale · defined calculation
Typical recorded range: 10 GW to 15 GW.
A little perspective
Three Gorges Dam rated output is about 1.87 times larger on this measurement.
Three Gorges Dam rated output: 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
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
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.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 12 GW
For comparison, this page uses defined full-power thermal scale. This is labelled defined calculation: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. 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 identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Space Shuttle main engine thermal power dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 GW | 10 GW to 15 GW | defined calculation |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible power records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · PowerPower station1 GWThe electrical power produced by a facility that generates electricity for distribution to users.
Around the same scale · PowerThree Gorges Dam rated output22.5 GWThree Gorges Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the dam's generators are designed to produce.
Nearest higher value · PowerItaipu Dam rated output14 GWItaipu Dam rated output is the maximum electrical power the Itaipu hydroelectric dam is designed to generate under standard conditions.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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