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 by Staff Writers Lampoldshausen, Germany (SPX) Nov 22, 2021
Unique test stands, comprehensive expertise and decades of experience - the Lampoldshausen site of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) specialises in developing and testing propulsion systems for spaceflight. Whether for the large launch vehicles of the Ariane family or the growing market of start-ups developing smaller rockets referred to as microlaunchers, the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion tests and qualifies technology demonstrators as well as entire rocket stages for launch into space. In November 2021, a DLR team investigated a very special engine on behalf of the Spanish start-up Pangea Aerospace. They successfully conducted hot-run tests of the world's first additively manufactured MethaLox aerospike engine using the European Research and Technology Test Stand P8. Hot-run tests are comprehensive functional tests - an important step in preparing for a first flight.
Aerospike technology - great potential, a practical test for the first time The technology promises to be 15 percent more efficient than conventional approaches, which also means that 15 percent less fuel would be needed to carry a given mass into orbit. For decades, aerospike technology has been considered a very promising potential solution. However, it is only now possible to implement it - thanks to new materials that can withstand higher temperatures and greater freedom in design through the use of additive manufacturing processes. For example, Pangea Aerospace was able to develop a new regenerative cooling system that uses cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid methane. They pass through the cooling channels before being ignited in the engine's combustion chamber. In this way, the engine is cooled down and so does not melt. A total of four test runs provided an initial insight into how the aerospike technology works in practice. In each case, the engine fired for around 60 seconds. With its test facilities, which are unique in Europe, DLR is playing a key role in supporting the successful development of future-proof and efficient space propulsion systems. The aim is to ensure that space transport is as competitive as possible and to continue to guarantee access to space for European companies and research institutions.
Focus on the next generation of engines
RocketStar gets SBIR contract to develop new plasma thrusters New York NY (SPX) Nov 19, 2021 RocketStar, an industry leader transforming access to space with fully reusable rockets, has announced that the company has been selected by the U.S Air Force to participate in a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop a novel plasma thruster designed to greatly enhance space propulsion capabilities using fusion. RocketStar submitted its proposal to the SBIR program in order to find a solution to some of the most prominent issues small satellites currently face in today's grow ... read more
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