NOFBX Single-Stage-to-Orbit Mars Ascent Vehicle Engine

We propose the continuation of our research and development of a Nitrous Oxide Fuel Blend (NOFBXTM) Single-Stage-to-Orbit (SSTO) monopropellant propulsion system for future use on a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) as part of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) architecture. This liquid monopropulsion system architecture is also readily scalable to alternative planetary ascent vehicles (PAV's) and sample return systems. Key areas of our proposed development and demonstration are in the nozzle miniaturization to support compact vehicle packaging into an MSR vehicle and use of a passive thrust vector control mechanism with three engines to avoid the necessity of a low temperature gimbal mechanism.