Publisher:Pasadena, CA: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2018
Citation:American Astronautical Society (AAS) Guidance & Control Conference (GNC), Colorado Springs and Breckenridge, Colorado, Feb 1-7, 2018
Abstract:
Hybrid rocket propulsion is gaining a great deal of interest for space storable and low temperature applications. Typical hybrid propellants have been shown to survive over a wide range of temperatures, minimizing the need for thermal control. This ability to survive in low temperature environments, coupled with their high performance (comparable to liquid bipropellants) and ability to restart has made them viable candidates for a variety of missions. A technology development program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory over the last three years has focused on increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of hybrid rockets for a potential Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and Interplanetary SmallSat applications. Results of this technology development will be presented.