High-Capability Hybrid Rocket Motor with Novel Restartable Ignition System for Sample Return Missions

Estes Energetics and Utah State University will partner together to develop a hybrid rocket motor for the next generation of sample return missions. This system will incorporate several unique technologies that provide the performance and reliability needed for a sample return propulsion system, including a high-capability electric ignition system; an efficient, safe, and high-performance oxidizer; and 3D printed fuel grains.The patented electric ignition system utilizes recently discovered unique properties of some 3D printed materials whereby electricity applied to the material carves an quot;arc-trackquot; through the layered material. The associated Joule-heating pyrolyzes fuel, and as oxidizing flow is introduced, ignition spontaneously occurs. This property is being developed into a power-efficient system, that can reliably cold-start and restart hybrid rocket motors. The resulting system is radically simpler and allows for a large number of motor restarts without the complexity or danger of an ignition train containing energetic materials.Novel Nytrox oxidizer has the volumetric efficiency of nitrous oxide without its decomposition dangers. It can be stored for long-term missions and has been demonstrated to have a specific impulse greater than 300 s.3D printed fuel grains enable a large variation in geometry, that in turn enables optimization of the thrust profile when combined with the deep throttle capability of our hybrid. For sample return, the thrust can be optimized for a high launch thrust followed by an efficient cruise phase thrust. Multiple restart capability further optimizes the thrust profile.