Various embodiments of a vortex thruster system is described herein that is configured to create at least three discrete thrust levels. In some embodiments, the vortex thruster system is configured to decompose a monopropellant and deliver the decomposed monopropellant into a vortex combustion chamber for generating various thrust levels. In some embodiments, the vortex thruster system includes a secondary propellant valve configured to deliver a secondary propellant into the vortex combustion chamber containing decomposed monopropellant to create a high thrust level. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.

Embodiments are directed toward a monopropellant continuous detonation engine. In some embodiments, the continuous detonation engine includes an engine body, a monopropellant feed assembly, and a detonation initiator. The engine body defines a detonation wave channel. The monopropellant feed assembly delivers monopropellant from a monopropellant storage tank into the detonation wave channel. The detonation initiator initiates continuous detonation of the monopropellant in the detonation wave channel, preferably without a catalyst to promote decomposition of the monopropellant. Accordingly, specific impulse is increased compared to constant-pressure reaction thrusters that catalytically decompose the monopropellant with deflagration combustion.

A hybrid airbreathing rocket engine module (70) comprises an air intake arrangement (62) configured to receive air and a heat exchanger arrangement (63) configured to cool air from the air intake arrangement (62); a compressor (64) configured to compress air from the heat exchanger arrangement (63); and one or more thrust chambers (65). The air intake arrangement (62), the compressor (64), the heat exchanger arrangement (63), and the one or more thrust chambers (65) are arranged generally along an axis (69) of the engine module (70). The heat exchanger arrangement (63) is arranged between the compressor (64) and the one or more thrust chambers (65).

Various embodiments of a vortex thruster system is described herein that is configured to create at least three discrete thrust levels. In some embodiments, the vortex thruster system is configured to decompose a monopropellant and deliver the decomposed monopropellant into a vortex combustion chamber for generating various thrust levels. In some embodiments, the vortex thruster system includes a secondary propellant valve configured to deliver a secondary propellant into the vortex combustion chamber containing decomposed monopropellant to create a high thrust level. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.

An ignitable and energetic metal-organic framework material for producing a fuel when exposed to an ignition source, comprising a general structure M1-L-M2, wherein L is an organic linker comprising one or more nitro substituents, and wherein M1 and M2 are same or different metal cations.

A hot-gas-generating apparatus for reacting a propellant comprises a combustion chamber, at least one injector that is arranged upstream of the combustion chamber and can be closed, on the combustion chamber side, to the propellant, electrodes being integrated in said injector, and at least one supply line for the propellant. In this context, the propellant is a monopropellant and a substantially water-free ionic solution having low vapor pressure, preferably with a residual water content of less than five percent by mass, which is capable of self-sustaining combustion at a given combustion chamber pressure, and the electrodes have at least two electrodes of opposite polarity which are suitable for electrically igniting the propellant by means of a flow of current through the propellant when this propellant flows between the opposite-polarity electrodes.

A novel approach provides a small satellite propulsion system that uses vapor to generate thrust for the small satellite. The vapor naturally sits on top of liquid propellant(s), which are stored within a propellant tank. The vapor may flow from the propellant tank and through a membrane to interact with a reacting surface to generate thrust.

A catalyst bed includes a structure defining a plurality of channels configured to receive flow of fluid to be chemically catalyzed. The plurality of channels are oriented at least partially non-parallel to an overall flow direction of the flow from inputs of the plurality of channels to outputs of the plurality of channels. A catalyst is exposed at an exterior of the structure.

Methods, systems and apparatuses are disclosed for delivering high triple point propellant to a rocket engine and maintaining the desired phase of the propellant during engine ignition.

A rocket propulsion system comprises a combustion chamber, an oxygen supply system, comprising an oxygen supply duct and being configured to supply oxygen to the combustion chamber, and a hydrogen supply system, comprising a hydrogen supply duct and being configured to supply hydrogen to the combustion chamber. An ignition unit of the propulsion system, to which at least portions of the oxygen and the hydrogen supplied to the combustion chamber can be supplied, is configured to initiate combustion of the oxygen-hydrogen mixture in the combustion chamber. The propulsion system further comprises a cooling duct extending along an inner surface of a combustion chamber wall and through which at least a portion of the oxygen supplied to the combustion chamber, at least a portion of the hydrogen supplied to the combustion chamber or a combustion gas mixture emerging from the ignition unit flows.