Green Rockets

In response to a governmental need for a stable “green” alternative to the popular propellant hydrazine, Utah State University researchers developed a hybrid rocket motor using fused deposition modeling.

Problem

Toxicity and the risk of explosion contribute to the high cost of producing, operating and transporting propellants currently used for small satellite guidance in space. Developing a non-toxic, stable, “green” alternative for hydrazine, the most commonly used in-space propellant, is a highly sought-after solution for governmental agencies.

While hybrid rocket motors are a solution due to their well-known safety and handling advantages, hybrid rocket motors aren’t widely used because they produce unacceptably high oxidizer-to-fuel ratios, which erodes fuel grains and nozzles. They are also difficult to restart, making pyrotechnics a necessity.

Solution

Researchers at Utah State developed a hybrid rocket motor using fused deposition modeling, a type of 3D additive manufacturing. In this process, the solid grain of the hybrid motor is created by successive plastic layers that can be 3D printed into ports of almost any shape, including one with a helical bore that reduces oxidizer-to-fuel ratios, modifies burn properties and increases overall combustion efficiency. The motor can also be stopped and restarted using arc ignition processes rather than pyrotechnics.

Benefits

In the manufacture of non-toxic rocket motors, workers no longer need to wear hazmat suits. In use, the green rocket developed at Utah State improves combustion and oxidizer-to-fuel ratios while potentially reducing operating costs.

Applications

Utah State’s green rocket can be used for small satellites owned by both governmental and commercial entities.

Contact

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Questions about this technology including licensing availability can be directed to:

Alan Edwards, MA, JD
Manager, Technology Transfer Services
(435) 797-2328 alan.edwards@usu.edu

 

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Inteum IDs:

C13016
C14035
C15002