23–25 Oct 2018
ESTEC
Europe/Amsterdam timezone

Current status of Pre-Qualification of Aluminium-Free Solid Propellant

25 Oct 2018, 14:40
20m
Erasmus building (ESTEC)

Erasmus building

ESTEC

Keplerlaan 1, 2201 AZ Noordwijk, The Netherlands
Technologies for Space Debris Mitigation Space Debris Mitigation

Speaker

Mr Pawel Nowakowski (Institute of Aviation)

Description

An overview of the current status of Pre-Qualification of Aluminium-Free Solid Propellant is given in this presentation. Advantages of solid propulsion for satellite de-orbit are shown and proposed mission scenarios are the source of requirements of the system, motor and propellant itself. The first step in development of Solid Rocket Motor for deorbitation was made with elaboration of a dedicated propellant composition. Specific demand for low burn rate and typical aim for high performance required an extensive trade-off. Basing on a literature review, suitable methods of reducing linear regression rate were defined. The optimal composition selection, basing on initial laboratory test results is presented. Safety assessment results are given as a vital part of the pre-qualification process. Long in-orbit storability concerns were shown and analysed. Results of initial tests are given, including radiation impact. Final verification is done via SRM hot firings with reduced burn duration. An important part of the project is dedicated to the preliminary Solid Rocket Motor for deorbitation design since propellant performance can be analysed only with respect to the motor. Concept of a Thrust Vector Control is given. Finally, system level aspects and integration with the spacecraft is proposed as an outline for future development.

Primary author

Mr Pawel Nowakowski (Institute of Aviation)

Co-authors

Dr Adam Okninski (Institute of Aviation) Ms Anna Kasztankiewicz (Institute of Aviation) Mr Blazej Marciniak (Institute of Aviation) Mr Michal Pakosz (Institute of Aviation) Mr Tomasz Noga (Institute of Aviation) Mrs Ewa Majewska (Institute of Aviation) Mr Damian Rysak (Institute of Aviation) Prof. Piotr Wolanski (Institute of Aviation) Dr Marek Lipinski (MESKO S.A.) Mrs Aleksandra Lenart (MESKO S.A.) Mr Rafal Bogusz (Institute of Industrial Organic Chemistry) Mr Andrzej Matlok (ZPS Gamrat Sp. z o.o.) Ms Koziol Paulina (ZPS Gamrat Sp. z o.o.) Mr Grzegorz Musial (ZPS Gamrat Sp. z o.o.)

Presentation materials