Low Cost Expendable Launch Technology

The goal of this proposal is to develop and risk-reduce concepts for a fly back booster to provide rapid launch of small satellite payloads. This liquid-fueled booster will make use of a new engine based on TGV Rockets’ ElectroCycleTM electrically pumped powerhead. The overall objective of the Phase II investigation will be to demonstrate that a light hydrocarbon fuel is capable of achieving approximately 11 hp/lb in lab conditions. The first-generation motors will be tested at non-cryogenic temperatures and cryogenic temperatures. This new engine technology has the potential to greatly reduce the cost to both develop and produce new rocket engines through decoupling the powerhead and combustion chamber and leveraging of the enormous commercial investments in battery, controller, and electric motor technologies. This new liquid fueled engine will give the Air Force a much more capable and responsive small launch vehicle. There are many applications of the eventual ElectroCycleTM engines, especially for small, re-flyable architectures. A very high-power density electric motor will have numerous other aerospace applications including precision packaged delivery.