Project Title:

LOX/Kerosene Monopropellant Rocket Engine

94-1	11.01	8755		

LOX/Kerosene Monopropellant Rocket Engine

Abstract:

An innovative propulsion system is proposed that uses a 
monopropellant consisting of liquid oxygen and solid kerosene 
particles uniformly suspended in the liquid oxygen. This original 
and imaginative approach combines the best features of solid and 
liquid propulsion. Like a solid propulsion system, the fuel and 
oxidizer are premixed into a uniform mixture with reliable 
ignition and combustion properties. Yet, the propellant is a 
liquid so it can be burned in a small combustion chamber, loaded 
into a rocket at the launch pad and be injected at variable rates 
to throttle the engine during a mission. 
This propulsion system will benefit NASA by supporting the need for 
lower cost boosters, upper stages and orbital transfer vehicles by 
using a low cost propellant and a reduced number of components when 
compared to conventional propulsion systems. 
The Phase I objective is to determine the LOX/kerosene rocket 
engine's feasibility by evaluating key components with subscale 
engine tests. Critical monopropellant properties will also be 
measured to determine its feasibility for use in launch vehicles. 
Phase I results are expected to be positive and lay the foundation 
for Phase II which will be the development of a test weight rocket 
engine system.  

The first commercial application will be the incorporation of 
this engine system into a new low cost sounding rocket. This new 
rocket will have capabilities similar to the Black Brant V. Other 
commercial applications include strap-on boosters (Castor Class) 
and small launch vehicles (Scout Class). Future commercial sales 
may include a pump-fed version targeted as a replacement for the 
main engines of the Atlas and Delta rockets. At NASA's 
discretion, these engines may also be considered for man-rated 
applications such as replacements for the Shuttle SRBs and OMS 
engines. 

Key Words

Wickman Spacecraft & Propulsion Co. 
4010A South Poplar, Suite 31 
Casper, WY 82601