Progress of the In-Space Propulsion-1 project
- Paper number
IAC-11,C4,3,21,x10982
- Author
Mr. Michel Muszynski, Snecma, France
- Coauthor
Mr. Patrick Alliot, Snecma, France
- Year
2011
- Abstract
The intent of this publication is to provide an overview of the progress of the ISP1 project over the first two years. In the frame of the European FP7, the In-Space Propulsion (ISP-1) project was initiated in 2009 with the objective of improving the knowledge and the techniques which are necessary for future space missions relying on cryogenic propulsion. The ISP-1 program is structured into five main work packages which deal with various technological issues associated to the development of a Low Thrust Cryogenic Propulsion system. It concentrates on liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, and liquid methane propellants. These technological issues are: LOX-methane combustion, hydrogen embrittlement, material compatibility and tribology in liquid oxygen, energy management of low thrust propulsion system, and the development of electrically driven cryogenic turbopumps. - LOX/CH4 Combustion studies and tests focus on low thrust LOX/CH4 space propulsion, with an emphasis on low pressure liquid injection. Theoretical and experimental activities, as well as modeling, address injection, ignition, combustion, film cooling. - Compatibility and tribology analysis and tests address both technological aspects (Foil bearings in cryogenic conditions , material for bearing retainer, graphite against a hard surface for dynamic seals) and more fundamental aspects (feasibility of CH4 tribological tests, theoretical analysis of local contact conditions). - Hydrogen embrittlement tests of new materials in a High pressure and medium range temperature environment are aimed at improving knowledge and modeling of these phenomena. - Phase Change Heat Accumulators studies and tests, focused on energy management techniques, with testing of a low temperature accumulator, designed for allowing the validation of simulation tools. - A demonstrator Propellant Electric Pump is designed and will be tested in LN2 These work packages are focused on technologies which are considered as the critical points of future cryogenic space propulsion systems. By increasing the technological readiness level of these technologies, these activities pave the way for the development of future propulsion systems and constitute an asset with respect to possible future international cooperation.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)