Solar Thermal Propulsion IHPRPT Phase I Demonstration Program
Abstract
Solar thermal propulsion is an innovative concept that will double the efficiency of currently used LH2 - L02 chemical upper stages. Solar thermal propulsion uses the sun's energy to heat a low molecular weight working fluid such as hydrogen to very high temperatures (3,000 K). The stored thermal energy is then converted to kinetic energy as the working fluid exits a diverging nozzle. This document will report on the completed Phase I Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) Solar Thermal Propulsion Demonstration, The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) has sponsored the team of Thiokol Propulsion and SRS Technologies to demonstrate the technological readiness and performance of an inflatable solar thermal propulsion system. The program culminates in a full-up integrated proof-of-concept ground test of a direct gain solar thermal propulsion system. These tests will demonstrate that the technology is ready for development of flight hardware for Solar Orbital Transfer Vehicles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 02, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA409896
Entities
People
- Dean M. Lester
- Gregory D. Farmer
- Michael R. Holmes
- Wayne Wong