Advanced Rocket Propulsion Technologies

"The IHPRPT program has the stated mission of doubling rocket propulsion capabilities by the year 2010. This will require a substantial reduction in vehicle weight, particularly parasitic weight. Weight reduction in the vehicle can directly translate intoadditional payload, at a rate of $10,000 to $40,000/lb, depending on configuration. Aspen Aerogels, Inc. proposes to build on our commercial aerogel flexible blanket insulation technology to provide up to a 22 fold improvement in weight fraction of SRMcase insulation over cork, with no sacrifice in performance. Utilizing our unique nano-porous aerogel materials, we will create an insulation system with a thermal conductivity of less than 14 mW/m-K, compared to 65 mW/m-K for standard cork insulation.The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and demonstrate suitable encapsulation and attachment techniques. In Phase II the system will be optimized and sufficient material will be produced to allow for full scale testing at ourteaming partner's facility or a facility of the Air Force's choice. Development and demonstration of a high performance, lightweight, flexible insulation material based on aerogels will result and substantial weight reduction and performance improvement innumerous military applications including; missiles, rockets, and launch vehicles (Space Shuttle and RLV). Significant commercial applications will also be enabled, including; furnace i