A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and, optionally, at least one filler. The preceramic resin formulation is formulated to exhibit a viscosity of from about 1,000 cP at about 25 C. to about 5,000 cP at a temperature of about 25 C. The at least one filler comprises first particles having an average mean diameter of less than about 1.0 m and second particles having an average mean diameter of from about 1.5 m to about 5 m. Impregnated fibers comprising the preceramic resin formulation are also disclosed, as is a composite material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and the at least one filler. Methods of forming a ceramic matrix composite are also disclosed.

A preceramic resin formulation comprising a polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, an organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and, optionally, at least one filler. The preceramic resin formulation is formulated to exhibit a viscosity of from about 1,000 cP at about 25 C. to about 5,000 cP at a temperature of about 25 C. The at least one filler comprises first particles having an average mean diameter of less than about 1.0 m and second particles having an average mean diameter of from about 1.5 m to about 5 m. Impregnated fibers comprising the preceramic resin formulation are also disclosed, as is a composite material comprising a reaction product of the polycarbosilane preceramic polymer, organically modified silicon dioxide preceramic polymer, and the at least one filler. Methods of forming a ceramic matrix composite are also disclosed.

A thermally initiated variable venting system may comprise a first linear shape charge (LSC) coupled to a first sensor and a second LSC coupled to a second sensor. An upper apex of the second LSC may be disposed within a lower apex of the first LSC. The output of the system may vary depending on whether the event is fast cook-off (FCO) or slow cook-off (SCO).

A thermally initiated variable venting system may comprise a first linear shape charge (LSC) coupled to a first sensor and a second LSC coupled to a second sensor. An upper apex of the second LSC may be disposed within a lower apex of the first LSC. The output of the system may vary depending on whether the event is fast cook-off (FCO) or slow cook-off (SCO).

The proposed technology relates to a thrust control apparatus of a propulsion system, and more particularly, to a thrust control apparatus of a solid propulsion system equipped with an aerospike pintle nozzle. The present invention is to simultaneously control the magnitude and direction of thrust by installing a pintle and a thrust vectoring unit at the rear end of a combustion tube of a solid propulsion system.

The present invention relates to throttleable propulsion launch escape systems and devices. In one embodiment, the system includes a tower and at least one throttleable motor secured to the tower. The throttleable motor is able to throttle to a reduced power setting during flight. In another embodiment, the system includes at least one throttleable motor and a space vehicle unit that includes a containing structure. In a further embodiment, the throttleable motor may be secured about a boost escape system of a space vehicle unit. In an additional embodiment, the present invention is a three-dimensional nozzle.

The present invention relates to throttleable propulsion launch escape systems and devices. In one embodiment, the system includes a tower and at least one throttleable motor secured to the tower. The throttleable motor is able to throttle to a reduced power setting during flight. In another embodiment, the system includes at least one throttleable motor and a space vehicle unit that includes a containing structure. In a further embodiment, the throttleable motor may be secured about a boost escape system of a space vehicle unit. In an additional embodiment, the present invention is a three-dimensional nozzle.

A method for non-destructively determining a mechanical property of a solid rocket motor propellant grain may comprise applying a force to a surface of the solid rocket motor propellant grain, wherein a deformation is formed on the surface of the solid rocket motor propellant grain in response to the applying, and calculating a value of the mechanical property of the solid rocket motor propellant grain based on the deformation. This process may be performed over time to determine a lifespan of the propellant grain.

A method for non-destructively determining a mechanical property of a solid rocket motor propellant grain may comprise applying a force to a surface of the solid rocket motor propellant grain, wherein a deformation is formed on the surface of the solid rocket motor propellant grain in response to the applying, and calculating a value of the mechanical property of the solid rocket motor propellant grain based on the deformation. The force may be applied by moving a liquid into the perforation. This process may be performed over time to determine a lifespan of the propellant grain.

The invention is for a startup system for nuclear fusion engines in space. The combustion of hydrogen and oxygen produces heat that is used by a heat engine to produce electricity. This can be supplemented by electricity from other operating engines. The exhaust from the combustion is condensed and electrolyzed to produce hydrogen and oxygen once the engine is in operation. This provides a constant source of energy for future startups. The engine is started up at partial power in electricity generation mode and this power replaces the power from the combustion as it grows. The combustor uses the same heat engine as the nuclear engine uses for power generation.