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Low-Cost, High-Efficiency HAN/HEHN-Based Multi-Mode Propulsion System

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
86937 		Program Year/Program:
2008 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
F081-065-1414 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Ultramet
12173 Montague Street Pacoima, CA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2008
Title: Low-Cost, High-Efficiency HAN/HEHN-Based Multi-Mode Propulsion System
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA9300-08-M-3016
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

Launch-on-demand satellites require both high thrust and high specific impulse (Isp). In this project, Ultramet will develop a multi-mode propulsion system that is capable of delivering an Isp of 291 seconds (density Isp of 453 s) in high-thrust mode using HAN/HEHN monopropellant. The propellant will be burned in Ultramet's radiation-cooled oxide-iridium/rhenium (Ox-Ir/Re) combustion chambers capable of handling the ultrahigh temperature. In high-Isp mode, Busek radio frequency electrothermal thrusters will be employed after propellant decomposition in an American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) gas generator with an Ultramet Ox-Ir/Re liner. Attitude control will be accomplished by directing generator gases to a small Busek thruster or by using small Ox-Ir/Re thrusters. Such a propulsion system will be able to accommodate many different types of orbital maneuvers, including Hohmann transfers, phase changes, and plane changes. Much of the required hardware has already been developed. Busek thrusters have been tested extensively, and Ultramet's radiation-cooled combustion chambers have been hot-fired with O2/H2 and HAN/HEHN. The focus of the proposed project will be to further develop a HAN/HEHN catalyst and combine it into an integrated system with AMPAC's gas generator and Ultramet's Ox-Ir/Re combustion chamber under AMPAC's current work.

Principal Investigator:

Matthew J. Wright
Research Engineer
8188990236
matt.wright@ultramet.com

Business Contact:

Craig N. Ward
Engineering Administrative Manager
8188990236
craig.ward@ultramet.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

ULTRAMET
12173 Montague Street Pacoima, CA 91331

EIN/Tax ID: 952662293
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No