High-Temperature Composite Nozzle Extensions for Space Access and Propulsion

The Phase II effort proposed herein seeks to address DLA's stated interest in promoting domestic supply chain resiliency for hypersonic systems, as well as space systems programs that depend on similar materials. The proposed program will involve collaboration with a manufacturer and research institute with interests and experience aligned with space systems applications. MR&D is proposing an effort in collaboration with their program partners to develop high-temperature composite materials and fabrication approaches for the rapid manufacture of high-temperature composite nozzle extensions (NEs) for liquid rocket engines (LREs). The fabricator on this effort has a long history of producing both thermal protection system (TPS) materials and propulsion hardware, with many successful flights demonstrated across a variety of operational environments. The Phase II Research Institute has extensive ground test capabilities at their facility. A combined analytical and experimental program is proposed wherein MR&D performs analyses of the propulsion hardware, high-temperature composite hardware is fabricated per MR&D's design, and the Research Institute performs ground testing of the fabricated articles in relevant LRE environments.