Novel Propellant, High-Energy Upper Stage Development

As low-cost space access drives the design of new 3,000 lb-to-orbit launch systems, inexpensive, high-energy stages with velocity increments of over 20,000 feet/sec are required. Whittinghill Aerospace (WASP) proposes continued development of a highly energetic propulsion system for DARPAs XS-1 and WASPs own launch vehicle that makes use of a novel fuel and a high mass fraction structure. With multi-disciplinary optimization design tools and a 2,000 lb thrust engine test in Phase 1, WASP showed that these performance metrics are achievable. For Phase 2, WASP will characterize the c* performance of this new propellant combination from 300 to 1,500 psi chamber pressures with a flight-like cooled chamber, and will explore off-peak O/F performance and L* variations as well.Similar tests will be made with LOx/CH4 with the same hardware for relative comparisons.WASP will also investigate the safety implications of operating the fuel at high pressure in concert with an alternate fuel synthesis for lower cost production.