High Performance Hybrid Cycle for Advanced Upper Stage Engines

ABSTRACT: ORBITEC proposes to develop a hybrid cycle to improve the overall performance and reduce the cost of advanced upper stage engines. Upper stage engines using the High Performance Hybrid Cycle (HPHC) will have the benefits of compact design, high thrust-to-weight, and high Isp. Once matured, such engines are expected to display low cost and high reliability. In Phase I, we will conduct detailed trade studies, develop preliminary designs of the major engine components and overall engine system, quantify the benefits of the HPHC vs. current state-of-the-art cycles, and develop a detailed risk reduction plan. BENEFIT: The USAF will be the initial primary customer for the HPHC technology, followed by NASA. There is a clear and immediate need for an advanced upper stage liquid rocket engine to replace existing engines. The RL10 engine supply is expected to be depleted later this decade. A new, affordable upper stage engine for the Delta and Atlas launch vehicles, and/or their successors that uses modern manufacturing approaches to reduce cost is highly attractive for enabling DOD missions. NASA will most likely also soon require an advanced upper stage engine or engine cluster for its exploration missions. Therefore, a significant demand for HPHC-based upper stage engines within this decade and beyond is anticipated. The market for this area is very large, in the billions of dollars.