Investigation of Advanced Propellants to Enable Single Stage to Orbit Launch Vehicles

Abstract

Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) launch vehicles designs offer the promise of reduced complexity and cost compared to multi-stage vehicles, as only one stage need be developed, produced, and maintained. Despite well-funded development efforts, no SSTO vehicles have been fielded to date. Existing chemical rocket and vehicle technologies do not enable feasible SSTO designs. In the future, new propellants with advanced properties could enable SSTO launch vehicles. A parametric sizing study was conducted to determine the rocket propulsion performance required. Bulk density, specific impulse, and main propulsion thrust-to-weight level were varied to determine the sensitivity of SSTO vehicle size to these parameters. Advanced propellants including strained-ring hydrocarbons and polynitrogen compounds are evaluated for their suitability in SSTO applications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 30, 2006
Accession Number
ADA467749

Entities

People

  • Jason Mossman

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Airframes
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Control Surfaces
  • Control Systems
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Payload
  • Propellants
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rocket Propulsion
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster