High Density Hybrid Motors

This STTR program will mature high density, high regression rate hybrid rocket motor technology through TRL6 through the design, fabrication, and testing of third and fourth stage nanosatellite motors, while preparing designs and sizing for booster stages.nbsp; Hybrid Rockets offer substantially lower cost compared to storable and cryogenic bipropellant systems, but currently suffer from poor packaging efficiency. nbsp; During proof of concept work, the use of a high density, HAN based oxidizer system combined with a high density and high regression rate solid fuel were demonstrated as solutions to packaging efficiency, O/F ratio sensitivity, and regression rate limitations of hybrid motors.nbsp; The HAN based oxidizer has low freezing temperature and no appreciable vapor pressure, being safe, storable, and eliminating the need for special handling and shipping precautions. nbsp; The high density oxidizer combined with the high density, high performance fuel, creates a hybrid engine system with the density impulse performance of a solid rocket motor, but the throttleability of a bipropellant system, with the safety approaching an inert system.nbsp; An electrically enhanced ignition system was demonstrated which improved C*, and enables higher performance to be met with shorter motor grains, with the potential for multiple start capabilities. nbsp;nbsp; This Phase II program will continue the development of high density, safe, storable, non-toxic hybrid motors to optimize ISP and motor design, improve injector and igniter performance, and mature third and fourth stage motor maturity through full scale motor burns.