Re: Launch Technology

From: Michael Lorrey (mike@datamann.com)
Date: Mon Jan 22 2001 - 09:43:44 MST


Adrian Tymes wrote:
>
> Spike Jones wrote:
> > > ge (~9000 m/s for standard Low Earth Orbit)
> > > Ve = exhaust velocity (~4500 m/s for standard explosive fuel)
> > > ...
> > > This would probably have to be solid fuels to make the non-consumed
> > > part of the engine less than 7 pounds.
> >
> > Hmmm... Solid fuels dont provide the ~4500 m/s you quoted. The
> > 4500 number applies to about the best liquid combination, lox and H2,
> > in vacuum. Starting with a 50 pound rocket, I have some *serious*
> > doubts we could make it to orbit with 7 pounds. I might believe
> > 7 ounces however.
>
> Ok, ok, true. Point is that it's < 100% of the craft's mass - and that
> we need *far* better (faster exhaust velocity) fuels than have been
> used to date, no? (Lasers - highest exhaust velocity, barring FTL
> discoveries - fuelled by matter/antimatter - highest known energy
> density - would be nice, but we can settle for more immediately
> achievable ones as an intermediate step.)

What I'd like to see is a solid rocket motor that uses hydrogen and
oxygen held in some sort of aerogel-like structure. This would eliminate
much vehicle mass and complexity, maximize impulse.



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