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October 3, 2005 IN Space LLC successfully test fires multiple-start rocket engineWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - IN Space LLC has successfully demonstrated ignition and steady-state operation of a hydrogen peroxide- and hydrocarbon-fueled liquid rocket engine capable of producing 8,500 pounds of thrust. The company reported smooth and repeatable main-stage ignition measurements during several test fires, with all of the components meeting or exceeding expectations. "These test results provide conclusive evidence of a reliable technique to initiate combustion in large liquid rocket engines using hydrogen peroxide and kerosene-type propellants," said B. J. Austin, general manager of IN Space, a Purdue Research Park aerospace firm. "We are now focusing on improving the design and producing a flight-weight ignition system design for a 50,000-100,000 pound-force booster engine." IN Space LLC and Purdue University's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics - with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and industry partners - are developing a multiple-start ignition system for potential use in missile defense-related systems and small launch vehicles under development by the U.S. Air Force. The research team's ignition system is being designed to make booster engines lighter and less costly, while increasing reliability. Engine configurations utilizing both hydrogen peroxide and kerosene-type propellants have traditionally used a staged-combustion approach whereby hydrogen peroxide is decomposed by a large, expensive catalyst reactor before it enters the combustion chamber. With the new ignition system, both propellants enter the combustion chamber as liquids, eliminating the need for the large reactor and allowing for a substantial reduction in chamber volume and weight. "We look forward to applying this technology to several applications, including low-cost launch systems and the emerging space-tourism market," Austin said. "The multiple-start aspect of the technology allows the engine to be used in separate mission phases, such as liftoff and landing. The ability to restart the engine is also a key safety feature for manned missions." Austin said Purdue has the most comprehensive capability to test storable liquid propellants of any university in the country. Testing was conducted at Purdue's High Pressure Laboratory - one of six Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories - and is designed to allow testing of up to 10,000 pounds of thrust. "Purdue's Zucrow Laboratories have an excellent track record of efficient test operations and delivering test data necessary for propulsion research and development," said Scott Meyer, a senior propulsion engineer with Purdue. "We have conducted more than 1,000 tests over the past five years with a perfect safety record. The IN Space engine is the largest we have tested to date." Primary funding for this project comes from the Department of Defense Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, with additional support from the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund and Northrop Grumman Corp. The STTR program funds cooperative research between small businesses and not-for-profit research institutions. The total funding for the two-year development project is $600,000. About IN Space LLC IN Space LLC conducts research and development of advanced propulsion technologies and provides engineering services to the aerospace community in the form of system design, analysis, modeling and testing support. The firm's clients include government laboratories, several aerospace companies and space tourism ventures. IN Space LLC has headquarters in the Hentschel Center of the Purdue Research Park, where it employs eight people. Contact: Amy Austin, (765) 775-2107, aaustin@inspacellc.com Related Web sites: U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency |
