The aim of this project was to deliver a 400 N hybrid rocket as the primary propulsion system for the Lunar Hopper MKII, an experimental space vehicle capable in principle of hovering on the lunar surface, under development by the University of Southampton.
Hybrid rockets are a growing sector within spacecraft propulsion due to their potential to use greener fuels. This hybrid motor uses a high test peroxide (HTP) as the oxidiser, which is supplied to the rocket via an inert gas pressure delivery system and high density polyethylene as the fuel. The oxidiser then decomposes in the presence of a catalyst producing hot oxygen which ignites the solid fuel. Lastly, a supersonic nozzle accelerates the hot exhaust gases, converting chemical and thermal energy to kinetic energy to produce thrust.
The design of the rocket is based on a 40 N technology demonstrator previously developed at the University. During the year, the low thrust rocket was fired four times to collect experimental data to verify the design processes.
On the back of these results the design methodology of the 40 N motor was re-visited and used to develop an enhanced design optimisation technique for scaling a hybrid motor to produce a higher thrust. The new hybrid rocket was designed to meet the Hopper’s requirements of producing 400 N of thrust for 15 s.
After a year’s work and a final three long days of preparation, the “ignition” button was finally pressed late into the evening on the second day. The rocket plume lit up the test site in a spectacular fashion in the twilight. The test verified that the motor was capable of producing the design thrust of 400 N and that the transition from monopropellant to hybrid mode of operation was rapid.
In addition to its purpose of powering the Lunar Hopper, this rocket will open up a new realm of research and educational opportunities, giving the University of Southampton a significant role in the future direction of hybrid technology research in the UK.
Hybrid rockets are a growing sector within spacecraft propulsion due to their potential to use greener fuels. This hybrid motor uses a high test peroxide (HTP) as the oxidiser, which is supplied to the rocket via an inert gas pressure delivery system and high density polyethylene as the fuel. The oxidiser then decomposes in the presence of a catalyst producing hot oxygen which ignites the solid fuel. Lastly, a supersonic nozzle accelerates the hot exhaust gases, converting chemical and thermal energy to kinetic energy to produce thrust.
The design of the rocket is based on a 40 N technology demonstrator previously developed at the University. During the year, the low thrust rocket was fired four times to collect experimental data to verify the design processes.
On the back of these results the design methodology of the 40 N motor was re-visited and used to develop an enhanced design optimisation technique for scaling a hybrid motor to produce a higher thrust. The new hybrid rocket was designed to meet the Hopper’s requirements of producing 400 N of thrust for 15 s.
After a year’s work and a final three long days of preparation, the “ignition” button was finally pressed late into the evening on the second day. The rocket plume lit up the test site in a spectacular fashion in the twilight. The test verified that the motor was capable of producing the design thrust of 400 N and that the transition from monopropellant to hybrid mode of operation was rapid.
In addition to its purpose of powering the Lunar Hopper, this rocket will open up a new realm of research and educational opportunities, giving the University of Southampton a significant role in the future direction of hybrid technology research in the UK.
