Electrostatic Pulse Induced Combustion (EPIC)

The proposed research effort will result in the demonstration of a fundamental new and innovative approach to pulsed propulsion. This project will build the scientific base necessary to pull together a number of innovative concepts into a veryhigh-performance propulsion for space missions. The final system will feature very a high mass fraction and the ability to safely use known but highly energetic chemistry. The proposed technology also features a consumable vehicle structure for the spacevehicle to further increase system mass fractions. The proposed project will result in significant increases in specific impulse and in mass fraction for space propulsion systems. The technology promises to have spin-off applications in thrust vector andattitude control systems.