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LOX/hydrocarbon auxiliary propulsion system studyLiquid oxygen (LOX)/hydrocarbon propulsion concepts for a "second generation' orbiter auxiliary propulsion system was evaluated. The most attractive fuel and system design approach identified, and the technology advancements that are needed to provide high confidence for a subsequent system development were determined. The fuel candidates were ethanol, methane, propane, and ammonia. Even though ammonia is not a hydrocarbon, it was included for evaluation because it is clean burning and has a good technology base. The major system design options were pump versus pressure feed, cryogenic versus ambient temperature RCS propellant feed, and the degree of OMS-RCS integration. Ethanol was determined to be the best fuel candidate. It is an earth-storable fuel with a vapor pressure slightly higher than monomethyl hydrazine. A pump-fed OMS was recommended because of its high specific impulse, enabling greater velocity change and greater payload capability than a pressure fed system.
Document ID
19830016280
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Orton, G. F.
(McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics Co. Saint Louis, MO, United States)
Mark, T. D.
(McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics Co. Saint Louis, MO, United States)
Weber, D. D.
(McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics Co. Saint Louis, MO, United States)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1982
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
MDC-E2548
NASA-CR-171656
NAS 1.26:171656
Accession Number
83N24551
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-16305
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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