Propellant Technologies: Far-Reaching Benefits for Aeronautical and Space-Vehicle Propulsion

Abstract

Rocket propellant and propulsion technology improvements can be used to reduce the development time and operational costs of new space-vehicle programs. Advanced propellant technologies can make the space vehicles safer, more operable, and better performing. Five technology areas are described: monopropellants, alternative hydrocarbons, gelled hydrogen, metalized gelled propellants, and high-energy density materials. The benee ts of these propellants for future vehicles are outlined using mission study results and the technologies are briee y discussed.