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.

Provided is a failure diagnostic system for a spacecraft liquid propulsion system that enables to accurately diagnose a failure in a spacecraft and a failure diagnostic method for the spacecraft liquid propulsion system. This spacecraft liquid propulsion system includes a plurality of thrusters, and a supply pipe connected to the thrusters. This system includes a pressure sensor that detects an inner pressure of the supply pipe as time-series data, a frequency spectrum conversion unit that converts the time-series data into data of a frequency spectrum, a storage unit that stores data of a frequency spectrum generated based on an analytical model by computer simulation or a test result of a testing device as a data set, a comparator that compares the data set with the data of the frequency spectrum generated by the frequency spectrum conversion unit, and a determining unit that determines a failure in any one of the plurality of thrusters according to a comparison result of the comparator.

Provided is a failure diagnostic system for a spacecraft liquid propulsion system that enables to accurately diagnose a failure in a spacecraft and a failure diagnostic method for the spacecraft liquid propulsion system. This spacecraft liquid propulsion system includes a plurality of thrusters, and a supply pipe connected to the thrusters. This system includes a pressure sensor that detects an inner pressure of the supply pipe as time-series data, a frequency spectrum conversion unit that converts the time-series data into data of a frequency spectrum, a storage unit that stores data of a frequency spectrum generated based on an analytical model by computer simulation or a test result of a testing device as a data set, a comparator that compares the data set with the data of the frequency spectrum generated by the frequency spectrum conversion unit, and a determining unit that determines a failure in any one of the plurality of thrusters according to a comparison result of the comparator.

The invention is in the field of engine building technology and may be used in space technology or aviation. Liquid-propellant rockets with Laval nozzles are well known, and they have the following insufficiencies: (1) high fuel consumption rates, which lead to increased dimensions and engine weight and boosters; (2) a relatively low combustion efficiency, because the low mass of the combustion products are emitted into the environment; (3) the large length of the de Laval nozzles with increased expansion ratios increase the dimensions and the engine weight; (4) use of high temperature rocket propellants—combustion products—in the camera and de Laval nozzle. These insufficiencies suppress using liquid-propellant rockets in space technology. The goal of the invention is decreasing the influence of these insufficiencies and obtaining an engine with improved efficiency. The goal is achieved with the creation of an engine with the subsonic discharge of combustion products and the creation of a simple nozzle construction.

The invention is in the field of engine building technology and may be used in space technology or aviation. Liquid-propellant rockets with Laval nozzles are well known, and they have the following insufficiencies: (1) high fuel consumption rates, which lead to increased dimensions and engine weight and boosters; (2) a relatively low combustion efficiency, because the low mass of the combustion products are emitted into the environment; (3) the large length of the de Laval nozzles with increased expansion ratios increase the dimensions and the engine weight; (4) use of high temperature rocket propellants—combustion products—in the camera and de Laval nozzle. These insufficiencies suppress using liquid-propellant rockets in space technology. The goal of the invention is decreasing the influence of these insufficiencies and obtaining an engine with improved efficiency. The goal is achieved with the creation of an engine with the subsonic discharge of combustion products and the creation of a simple nozzle construction.

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.

Omnivorous solar thermal thrusters and adjustable cooling structures are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar thermal rocket engine includes a solar thermal thruster configured to receive solar energy and one or more propellants, and heat the one or more propellants using the solar energy to generate thrust. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use a plurality of different propellant types, either singly or in combination simultaneously. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use the one or more propellants in both liquid and gaseous states. Related structures can include valves and variable-geometry cooling channels in thermal contact with a thruster wall.

Omnivorous solar thermal thrusters and adjustable cooling structures are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar thermal rocket engine includes a solar thermal thruster configured to receive solar energy and one or more propellants, and heat the one or more propellants using the solar energy to generate thrust. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use a plurality of different propellant types, either singly or in combination simultaneously. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use the one or more propellants in both liquid and gaseous states. Related structures can include valves and variable-geometry cooling channels in thermal contact with a thruster wall.

ThermaSat™ propulsion system uses water as a safe and non-explosive propellant, and which is unpressurized at liftoff. Utilizing solar thermal propulsion, the compact and efficient capacitor heats water to steam to produce high thrust and total impulse. The advanced optical system allows for the thermal capacitor to charge through solar power alone with no protruding concentrators or power draw from the main bus. Additional solar panels, body mounted to the ThermaSat, provide auxiliary heating of the thermal capacitor when not directly incident to sunlight to promote non-sun pointing operations.

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).