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High-Performance, Space-Storable, Bi-Propellant Program StatusBipropellant propulsion systems currently represent the largest bus subsystem for many missions. These missions range from low Earth orbit satellite to geosynchronous communications and planetary exploration. The payoff of high performance bipropellant systems is illustrated by the fact that Aerojet Redmond has qualified a commercial NTO/MMH engine based on the high Isp technology recently delivered by this program. They are now qualifying a NTO/hydrazine version of this engine. The advanced rhenium thrust chambers recently provided by this program have raised the performance of earth storable propellants from 315 sec to 328 sec of specific impulse. The recently introduced rhenium technology is the first new technology introduced to satellite propulsion in 30 years. Typically, the lead time required to develop and qualify new chemical thruster technology is not compatible with program development schedules. These technology development programs must be supported by a long term, Base R&T Program, if the technology s to be matured. This technology program then addresses the need for high performance, storable, on-board chemical propulsion for planetary rendezvous and descent/ascent. The primary NASA customer for this technology is Space Science, which identifies this need for such programs as Mars Surface Return, Titan Explorer, Neptune Orbiter, and Europa Lander. High performance (390 sec) chemical propulsion is estimated to add 105% payload to the Mars Sample Return mission or alternatively reduce the launch mass by 33%. In many cases, the use of existing (flight heritage) propellant technology is accommodated by reducing mission objectives and/or increasing enroute travel times sacrificing the science value per unit cost of the program. Therefore, a high performance storable thruster utilizing fluorinated oxidizers with hydrazine is being developed.
Document ID
20030032338
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Schneider, Steven J. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: Propulsion Engineering Research Center 14th Annual Symposium on Propulsion
Location: PA
Country: United States
Start Date: December 10, 2002
End Date: December 11, 2002
Sponsors: Pennsylvania State Univ.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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