Project Title:

Cryogenic H/O Solid Propellant Rocket Motor

94-1		11.02	1992		B

Cryogenic H/O Solid Propellant Rocket Motor

Abstract:

ORBITEC proposes an innovative and safe method to manufacture an 
integrated hydrogen/oxygen solid propellant rocket motor. The 
means to produce the cryogenic solid-based hydrogen/oxygen 
propellant has been conceptualized, based on our past work with 
both hydrogen and oxygen independently. Controlled freezing from 
the gaseous phase at or below the triple point of oxygen assures 
uniform solid phase integrated formation. The vapor pressures of 
oxygen and hydrogen are negligible at cold temperatures and 
sublimation rates would be negligibly slow. We propose to 
accomplish the hydrogen/oxygen solidification by means of an LHe 
chilled heat sink and to control the rate of solidification by 
the delivery pressure of the gases, liquid helium flow rate, and 
surface area condition. During Phase I, the solidification 
process will be demonstrated with existing, new, and/or modified 
hardware. A test firing during Phase I may be possible if other 
equipment become available during the Phase I effort. A 
preliminary design for the Phase II engine and a test program 
will be developed. During Phase II, we will design, build, 
develop and test a small cryogenic solid rocket motor. A space-
type flight engine will be designed in Phase II for Phase III 
implementation 

The use of a hydrogen/oxygen solid propellant could play a 
significant role in the environmentally clean and high 
performance propulsion systems of the future. Smaller sizes may 
operate as pulse thrusters for attitude and velocity trim. Larger 
sizes would be suited to upper stage, orbit transfer, and launch 
vehicle applications. The key features are: environmentally 
clean; high performance; high propellant density; possible use of 
high energy additives (HEDMs); and simple cryogenic propellant 
delivery systems. Other spinoff commercial applications are in 
cryogenic gas storage and high-rate energy generation. 

Key Words

Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC)
402 Gammon Place, Ste. 200
Madison, WI  53719