Project description
Efficient, compact, and durable propulsion system for sustainable satellite orbits
The surge in small satellite launches has led to an increase in orbital collisions, generating unprecedented space debris. To safeguard the longevity of our orbits, a compact, stable, and environmentally friendly propulsion system is imperative for small satellites. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the HYPER-CAT project aims to develop an advanced propulsion system for small satellites. Using Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and aerospike engines, the project tackles issues like catalyst degradation and extreme thermal loads. By leveraging the thermal decomposition process of H2O2, the team turns cooling challenges into an advantage. Liquid H2O2 absorbs heat convectively, creating gas layers to protect the structure, eliminating the need for catalysts.
Objective
The rapid increase in the number of small satellites in recent years has dramatically boosted the probability of orbital collisions that inevitably create space debris. To preserve the orbit's sustainability, a storable/stable, environmentally-friendly, highly efficient, and compact propulsion system is required to be mounted on the satellites. Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and aerospike engines are promising candidates if the major flaws are solved: catalyst performance degradation due to stabilizer poisoning and extreme thermal loads at the spike structure. In this proposal, I want to test the novel concept of utilizing the thermal decomposition process of H2O2 by turning the aerospike engine's cooling challenges into an advantage. Liquid H2O2 adsorbs heat from the structure convectively, then vaporizes/decomposes to create gas layers to protect the structure from the direct contact of the combustion gas. The thermal decomposition of H2O2 eliminates the use of catalysts. Overall, the concept offers a unique approach to an efficient, compact, and durable propulsion system for small satellites.
In the project, liquid H2O2 will be injected into the H2O2/Kerosene staged-combustion vitiated-air heater through the additive manufactured porous metallic wall (Fraunhofer IWS). Testing in various conditions, heat flux/temperature/pressure will be measured directly. Key variables (Da and H*) can't be directly measured. Hence, the mathematical model will be formulated to derive these variables under given conditions. The model will be validated by comparing the mono/bipropellant flame front locations between the simulations/experiments. Then, I will generate a low-order modeling tool that can predict the cooling performance and combustion efficiency based on the data and the model. The tool will be implemented to apply the new concept to existing TUD etholox rockets. The spike module will be fabricated, integrated and tested for concept verification.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels liquid fuels
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
01069 Dresden
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.