Omnivorous solar thermal thrusters and adjustable cooling structures are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar thermal rocket engine includes a solar thermal thruster configured to receive solar energy and one or more propellants, and heat the one or more propellants using the solar energy to generate thrust. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use a plurality of different propellant types, either singly or in combination simultaneously. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use the one or more propellants in both liquid and gaseous states. Related structures can include valves and variable-geometry cooling channels in thermal contact with a thruster wall.
OMNIVOROUS SOLAR THERMAL THRUSTER, COOLING SYSTEMS, AND THERMAL ENERGY TRANSFER IN ROCKETS
2023-04-27
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | F02K JET-PROPULSION PLANTS , Strahltriebwerke / B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS / F03H PRODUCING A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR , Erzeugung von Vortriebskraft [Schub] nach dem Prinzip des Rückstoßes, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen / F24S Sonnenkollektoren , SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS |
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