Hybrid propulsion system
AssigneeSpaceDev, Inc.
InventorsFrank MacKlin, Chris Grainger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed is a propulsion system having a structural configuration that provides easy and convenient access to the interior regions of a liquid fuel tank and a hybrid rocket motor case. In one embodiment, the propulsion system comprises: a hybrid rocket motor case and a fuel tank coupled to the hybrid motor case. The motor case is configured to hold solid rocket fuel and the fuel tank defines an internal volume configured to hold a fluid oxidizer. A bulkhead is interposed between the motor case and the fuel tank, wherein at least one access passageway extends through the bulkhead. The access passageway provides exterior access to the interior volume of the motor case or the internal volume of the storage tank while the hybrid rocket motor is coupled to the fuel tank.
Claims16
A propulsion system, comprising:
- a hybrid rocket motor case having a proximal end and a distal end, the motor case defining an interior volume including a combustion chamber at the proximal end, wherein the motor case is configured to hold solid rocket fuel;
- a fuel tank coupled to the proximal end of the motor case, the fuel tank defining an internal volume configured to hold a fluid oxidizer;
- a bulkhead interposed between the motor case and the fuel tank, wherein at least one access passageway extends through the bulkhead, the access passageway providing exterior access to the interior volume of the motor case or the internal volume of the fuel tank while the hybrid rocket motor is coupled to the fuel tank.
A propulsion system, comprising:
- a hybrid rocket motor case having a proximal end and a distal end, the motor case defining an interior volume including a combustion chamber at the proximal end, wherein the motor case is configured to hold solid rocket fuel;
- a fuel tank coupled to the proximal end of the motor case, the fuel tank defining an internal volume configured to hold a fluid oxidizer;
- a bulkhead interposed between the motor case and the fuel tank, the bulkhead including means for providing exterior access to the interior volume of the motor case or the internal volume of the fuel tank while the hybrid rocket motor is coupled to the fuel tank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.