Advanced Rocket Propulsion Technologies

Space Propulsion Group, Inc (SPG) proposes to conduct studies on paraffin-based hybrid rocket systems that provide high performance, safe, cost effective propulsion solutions for upper-stage and in-space applications. The benefits of the proposed hybrid concept result from high-regression rate paraffin-based solid fuels developed by Stanford and SPG. The high regression rate capability simplifies the fuel grain design significantly and makes hybrids a viable option for the conventional liquid and solid systems. The paraffin-based hybrids enjoy the high specific impulse performance, variable throttling and stop/restart capabilities of liquid systems, where as the system complexity and total liquid mass is reduced compared to a liquid system resulting in a more reliable and cost effective propulsion system. Moreover solid additives (i.e. Aluminum powder) can easily be incorporated in the fuel grain of a hybrid rocket in order to improve the Isp and density impulse performance. The objective of the proposed program is to mature the paraffin-based hybrid technology to the level that they become a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to the state of the art liquid and solid systems. The Phase I work has three major components: 1) development and lab-scale testing of fuel formulations optimized for space motors, 2) propulsion system preliminary design/optimization studies and 3) planning of the Phase II large-scale testing effort