Propulsion Pathfinder Enabling Future TRSA and Hypersonic Missions

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will develop and demonstrate a rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) propulsion pathfinder vehicle for a future hypersonic testbed. PSI and our vehicle integration partner will hotfire test a flight-representative propulsion system with thrust levels, burn duration, and SWaP metrics that match those of a specific hypersonic mission that stands to benefit from RDREs. The vehicle will interface with a 1,250 lbf pressure-fed RDRE using LOX/RP-2 propellants. In Phase I, the team defined the post-Phase II flight vehicle to be used for advancement of hypersonic test capabilities, and the RDRE was shown to increase the maximum speed of the vehicle and reduce time-to-target due to RDRE performance benefits. Phase I also included test site selection, conceptual designs, and an interface control drawing (ICD) for the engine. In Phase II, flight hardware for tanks, feed systems, thrust frame structures, and electrical controls will be used for the 1,250 lbf LOX/RP-2 pathfinder demonstration that is directly applicable to the hypersonic flight to be conducted in Phase III.