Hydrocarbon Boost Technology for Future Spacelift

摘要

The AFRL liquid engine mission is developing the technology trade space for high performance, affordable rocket engines. This can be accomplished by increasing design space - not point designs; integrated technology demonstrators; and a systems engineering approach - tech selection and execution. Tools need to be developed to enable model driven development that will replace empirically-based tools with physics-based tools, enable new technologies, and reduce development costs. Technology may be developed during engine cycle via oxygen-rich staged combustion, expander, and innovative cycles - Ex-Hex, and Aerospike. Or it may be developed within the component, in hydrostatic bearings, combustion stability and ignition.