Selecting hydrocarbon rocket propulsion technologyPast studies have shown that the dry weight of future earth-to-orbit vehicles can be reduced by the combined use of hydrogen and hydrocarbon propulsion compared to all-hydrogen propulsion. This paper shows that the use of certain hydrocarbon engines with hydrogen engines produces the lowest vehicle dry mass. These hydrocarbon engines use propane or RP-1 fuel, hydrogen cooling, and hydrogen-rich gas generators. Integration of the hydrogen and hydrocarbon nozzles is also beneficial.
Document ID
19870028637
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Martin, J. A. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)