Robust, Highly Producible Gel Propellants Formulated for Improved Performance, Reduced Toxicity, and Extended Storability

"Gel bi-propulsion systems can be used as simple boosters and variable thrusters forNASA launch vehicles, spacecraft and satellites as well as bi-propellant systemsutilizing advanced energy management for increased performance tactical missiles, ascompared to currently deployed solid propellant systems. The increased safety of gelsover current hypergolic liquids and high energy-density solid propellants decreaseshazards of manned space flights and reduces handling & transportation risks in groundoperations. The intent of this research is to demonstrate feasibility of formulatinghigh performance particulate fuel gels for bi-propulsion systems wherein the gellantsare formulated with monomethylhydrazine (MMH) and dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ)fuelsthat are hypergolic with gelled inhibited red fuming nitric acid (gIFRNA). The object-ive is to develop two families of bi-propulsion gel fuels that combust easily withIRFNA such that neither the L* of the engine must be increased nor the nozzle exhaustplume have a smoky signature. In Phase I, MACH I, Inc. plans to synthesize particu-lates in the form of various nitramine encapsulated cyclodextrin and cyclodextrin ni-trate polymers, nanocarbon fibers and platelets, GAP & GAP ETPE prepolymers and nano-meter particles of alumina and silica. These energetic and nano-particulates will beformulated with MMH (storable gel propellant baseline for high performance) and DMAZ(reduced toxicity high