The primary focus of this activity is to develop innovative cooling approaches for rocket combustion devices that will expand the performance envelope and reduce the manufacturing cost of future high thrust in-space propulsion systems for NASA. LRCM components and subassemblies will be developed for implementation in an operational engine system during the Phase III program. The same high performance cooling approaches could be used in a wide range of propulsion applications including large-scale booster engines, RCS thrusters, and other in-space propulsion systems.
The LRCM high performance cooling approaches could be used in a wide range of Air Force, DoD, or commercial applications including large-scale booster engines, RCS thrusters, and other in-space propulsion systems. Beyond the needs of NASA, it is expected that the LRCM manufacturing technology will be integrated into ORBITEC thrust chambers for other customers such as the U.S. Air Force's USLV (7-30K lbf) propulsion systems and future commercial launch applications. ORBITEC will market this technology to other rocket engine manufacturers. We are currently under contract with Boeing to provide propulsion system design and analysis for an upcoming DoD procurement where the LRCM technology would be of tremendous benefit. In addition, we have been approached by Lockheed Martin for information on our propulsion technologies and other technologies for future programs. Other commercial applications for this cooling technology may include industrial burners and large-scale, power-generating gas turbines.
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