Light Weight Integrated Injector/Thruster for Divert Propulsion

The next generation of rocket propulsion thrusters will be required to be lighter, and provide higher thrusts with no increase in the cost of manufacturing. The fabrication of a very light weight propulsion systems is proposed through the integration of alight weight ceramic injector with a ceramic matrix composite nozzle. This approach will reduce the mass of the system by over 50%. The injector will be fabricated by low cost stereolithography and intimately attached to the nozzle during densificationvia a rapid, low-cost CVI technique. The performance of the light weight system will be demonstrated with H2 and O2 propellants.The proposed fabrication approach will reduce the mass of the propulsion system by 50% leading to a greater Isp, fasterresponse times and range, and a lower access to space cost. In the future, reduced thermal transfer through the injector will lead to the ability to use PMC fuel lines further reducing the overall propulsion system weight. CCI will work closely withPrimex Aerospace Corporation to design and develop a commercial unit for future propulsion systems.