DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A VAPORJET ATTITUDE-CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SPACE VEHICLES

Abstract

Research and development efforts on a lightweight, long-lived, jet-thrust-reaction, attitude-control system of high reliability for space-vehicle applications are summarized. In this system, termed Vaporjet, desired characteristics are obtained through low-pressure storage of propellant in its liquid state, with conversion at saturation pressure to vapor of high specific impulse and through employment of solidstate control circuitry. Force levels of 0.1 and 0.001 lb are actuated by signals from vehicle rate and attitude sensors to eliminate rates greater than !0.001 radian/sec and errors greater than !0.5 degree. Water vapor having a calculated specific impulse of about 130 sec was chosen as the low-thrust fuel, using porous Teflon to effect phase separation at all gravity conditions. Saturated propyl-acetate vapor conained by a butyl diaphragm was employed to pressurize liquid water against heaters and Teflon. Propane, with a calculated specific impulse of 69 sec, was selected for high-thrust fuel because of its lower latent heat; phase separation was unsuccessful. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0272694

Entities

People

  • K.g. Heller
  • R.s. Miksch

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Heat Energy
  • High Reliability
  • Latent Heat
  • Phase
  • Phase Separation
  • Reliability
  • Spacecraft
  • Specific Impulse
  • Thrust
  • Vapors
  • Vehicles
  • Water Vapor

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers