Stealth Solid Rocket Propellant

Physical Sciences Inc. and Purdue University propose to develop a high performance stealth solid rocket propellant (SSRP) with significantly reduced infrared (IR) plume signature. The SSRP provides a 12% increase in Isp, and equivalent ρIsp, relative to state-of-the-art aluminized hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) ammonium perchlorate (AP) composite propellants. The innovative chemistries, combined with specific changes in the propellant formulations, will enable ingredient compatibility and minimum temperature and shock sensitivity. Phase II will focus on the SSRP formulation optimization and scale-up, establishing propellant burn rates, and quantifying IR exhaust plume signature via IR absorption spectroscopy and 2D high-speed imaging. The SSRP thrust performance will be validated empirically, and exhaust plume signatures will be modeled with SOCRATES-P. Approved for Public Release | 22-MDA-11215 (27 Jul 22)