Advanced Digital Solid Propellant Thruster Array for Highly Maneuverable Vehicles

With adversaries continuing to advance ballistic missile technologies, the next generation of missile interceptors must increase their capabilities to provide an effective defense. IN Space proposes the development of a digital solid propellant thruster array based on a high strength, high performance composite solid propellant with an unmatched burning rate in order to achieve a responsive, high acceleration capable vehicle with an extended intercept range. Based on material characterization studies and subscale insensitive munition evaluations, this unique solid propellant is well-suited to environments with demanding mechanical and thermal loads. The Phase I effort will assess the feasibility of the proposed concept based on extensive system, vehicle, and thruster trade studies conducted using a high fidelity sizing and trajectory model. These activities will be supported by thruster firings to validate model predictions, verify operability, and demonstrate thruster repeatability.Approved for Public Release | 17-MDA-9395(24 Oct 17)