OVERVIEW of LNG PROPULSION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Paper number

IAC-12,C4,1,5,x14616

Author

Mr. Yasuhito Kano, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Takeshi Tsujimoto, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Isao Kubota, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Takao Munenaga, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Masahiro Ishii, IHI Aerospace Co, Ltd., Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Yutaka Sato, IHI Aerospace Co, Ltd., Japan

Year

2012

Abstract

As for propellant of liquid propulsion system, although hydrogen takes advantage of the high performance, liquid natural gas (LNG) has merit for the less evaporation in space, high density and so on. LNG propulsion system, which uses a combination of liquid oxygen and liquid natural gas, is been developing in Japan.

We has developed 100kN-class LOX/LNG upper stage engine for a middle-class launch vehicle. The engine consists of pomp-feed system and ablative chamber. Full duration firing tests with the prototype engine were successfully completed in 2009 and the results showed that the engine design was almost fixed.

Also, We make efforts to attract the potential to enlarge the application of the technology to various space transportation system . We develop the 30kN-class LOX/LNG engine based on the technology of 100kN-class engine. Firing tests in 2011-2012 demonstrate that the engine is accomplished high performance.

Abstract document

IAC-12,C4,1,5,x14616.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,C4,1,5,x14616.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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