AFRPL Solar-Thermal Rocket Activities
Abstract
Earth orbital maneuvers, particularly orbit raising, provide the most important and extensive propulsion tasks in space and are not ideally served by either chemical rockets with their comparatively low lsp or electric rockets with their low thrust. For several years the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (AFRPL) has investigated solar thermal propulsion as a potential way of filling this gap in propulsion capability. The concept makes use of concentrated sunlight to heat hydrogen to temperatures approaching 5000 deg R for expansion through a converging-diverging nozzle. The payload advantages which accrue from the high lsp (over 800 seconds) in various mission scenarios were determined analytically and a combined in-house and contractual investigation was launched to provide a demonstration and evaluation of the concept within the limits of a ground test facility. The design and fabrication of a nominal one pound thrust solar rocket was contracted out, and an in-house project was initiated to design and build a facility for testing the solar engine. In addition the analysis of alternative thruster concepts has been accomplished.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA409326
Entities
People
- C. C. Selph
- G. J. Naujokas