Milestone Challenges in Developing Innovation and commercialization of Rocket Propulsion Technologies

摘要

Over 40 industry studies show long-term downsizing in rocket engine industrial base since 1979. National Institute Rocket Propulsion Systems (NIRPS) assessment describes reasons to include national space program exposure to cost, overruns, schedule slippage, performance issues, frequent budget- and policy-related program starts and cancellations. Such factors affect demand for rocket engine development. However, the number of propulsion technology methods currently under development has significantly increased. Over half of new propulsion technologies have a technical readiness level less than 6. With renewed focus on deep space exploration, propulsion technologies showing capabilities of high performance, low fuel consumption efficiency albeit low readiness maturation (push technology), need mapping to space missions for timeframes projected in the future (mission pull). This paper describes technical challenges for both mission pull and push technology concepts representing milestones for the development of propulsion industrial capability.