Comparisons of advanced hydrocarbon rocket engines for earth-to-orbit vehicles

The Space Shuttle has initiated a new era in earth-to-orbit transportation, and studies are now underway to assess the technology requirements for more advanced vehicles. Potential derivatives of the Space Shuttle and completely new vehicles might both benefit from advanced hydrocarbon engines, several versions of which were recently studied. In the present paper, selected single-stage vehicles have been compared using these engines. The results indicate that propane staged-combustion engines are attractive for this application. The potential effects of advanced engine materials are also shown.