Propulsion Pathfinder Enabling Future TRSA and Hypersonic Missions

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will develop and demonstrate a rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) propulsion pathfinder vehicle for a future hypersonic testbed. PSI and our vehicle integration partner will hotfire test a flight-representative propulsion system with thrust levels, burn duration, and SWaP metrics that match those of a specific hypersonic mission that stands to benefit from RDREs. The vehicle will interface with a 1000 lbf pressure-fed RDRE using LOX/RP-2 propellants. In Phase I, the team will define the propulsion pathfinder hardware to be used for the RDRE demonstration, including conceptual designs, a draft test plan, interface control drawing (ICD) for the engine, evaluation of potential test sites, and definition of budget and schedule for Phase II. In Phase II, flight hardware for tanks, feed systems, thrust vector control (TVC), thrust frame structures, and electrical controls will be used for the 1000 lbf LOX/RP-2 pathfinder demonstration that is directly applicable to the hypersonic flight to be conducted in Phase III.