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Project title

Green Propellant for future small satellite launch vehicle

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

South East Technological University (SETU)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Space activities is increasing day by day. Many established space agencies such as NASA, ESA, ISRO, JAXA and many private space start-ups in Europe started developing low-cost green rocket systems to launch small satellites. Along with these new innovations and advancement in technology has led to increased number of small satellites launches which have huge scope in many societal impact applications such as communication, earth observation for navigation, disaster management, agricultural monitoring etc. To launch such satellites from Earth most of the companies make use of solid rocket boosters. They are particularly used because of high performance parameters which helps to escape the earths gravitational force. The conventional solid rocket boosters make use of metallic fuels and oxidizers along with some additives. The propellants used in boosters have both positive and negative impact on their use. The positive impact is wider storability and less hygroscopic in nature. The negative impact with the propellant is it releases harmful gases which has adverse effect on the human life and environment. The current study aims to develop green propellants to mitigate the negative impact of conventional propellants. This study will focus on investigating new green propellants which can be used in future launch vehicle. This will help to reduce the harmful gases and allied effects associated with it. Different green propellant compositions & grain configurations will be explored. Along with that new surface modifications techniques will be studied. Computational techniques will be used to design and analysis the rocket nozzles and allied components. Apart from this 3D printing technique will be explored to manufacture various components associated with the solid rocket boosters. Finally, testing on pilot static test-setup will be conducted for the optimized green propellant compositions and various performance parameters like burn time, specific impulse, thrust v/s Time profile will be studied.

Grant Approved

�55,000.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2024