Exploring next-generation systems and fuels and their impact on missions.
An in-depth analysis of engines using very low-temperature propellants, their advantages in terms of specific impulse, and the associated technical challenges.
Read the articleHow Hall-effect thrusters and ion engines are revolutionizing interplanetary missions with exceptional efficiency.
Read the articleAn overview of research into non-toxic, low-environmental-impact propellants for more sustainable access to space.
Read the articleAnalysis of the key technologies and economic implications of returning and reusing rocket first stages.
Read the articleA tour of test facilities where rocket engines are pushed to their limits to ensure reliability and performance.
Read the articleInterview with a propulsion engineer on the trade-offs between efficiency, mass, and robustness in propulsion system design.
Read the articleFrequently asked questions about innovations in propulsion systems and fuels for space missions, presented by Karmarin.
Liquid propulsion uses propellants stored separately and mixed in a combustion chamber, offering precise thrust control. Solid propulsion uses a pre-mixed fuel-oxidizer blend in solid form, which is simpler but not adjustable once ignited.
These are liquid propellant engines that use propellants kept at very low temperatures (such as liquid hydrogen and oxygen). They offer very high efficiency (specific impulse) but present technical challenges related to the storage and management of cryogenic fluids.
They use electrical energy (solar or nuclear) to ionize a gas (like xenon) and accelerate the ions via an electric field. They produce very low but continuous thrust over long durations, making them ideal for interplanetary missions.
Yes, research is focused on propellants that are less toxic and more environmentally friendly than hydrazine, such as high-concentration hydrogen peroxide (HTP) or certain mixtures based on nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane.
Major challenges include the engines' resistance to repeated ignition and cooling cycles, thermal protection during atmospheric re-entry, and drastically reducing maintenance and refurbishment costs between flights.