Manufacturing Processes for Propulsion Technology

Divert and attitude control systems (DACS) for Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) and Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) applications have severe constraints with regard to system mass and handling safety. These systems typically employ heavy gas bottles and regulators for pressurization at the high pressures required and to meet safety margins for handling by personnel. AMPAC-ISP proposes to develop a concept design for a DACS pressurization system using a high response, controllable solid fuel gas generator to reduce overall system weight and cost, and mitigate personnel safety concerns. The system is planned to be launched unpressurized, eliminating personnel handling concerns and reducing tank structural requirements (weight), and would be charged immediately prior to separation. Solid fuel gas generators have been studied for attitude control of high velocity projectiles and can be tailored to be fast response (on the order of milliseconds) and provide repeatable impulse. Careful control of the fuel charge and additives results in a predictable quantity of gas produced from the reaction.