The next level of space engines

When a solid fuel engine starts, there is no turning back. It continues burning until all the available propellant is consumed, without a pause button, without turning off, without a second chance, that simplicity transformed solid engines into one of the most reliable technologies in space exploration, but it is also one of the least flexible, now, American researchers believe they have found a way to break that historical limitation.

The breakthrough was born from a collaboration between The Aerospace Corporation, the University of Southern California and the United States Naval Postgraduate School, the goal being to create something that many engineers considered virtually impossible, a solid engine capable of being turned on, off and on again on command during a mission. The solution emerged through a fascinating area of ​​modern physics, plasma. Instead of controlling combustion with valves, pumps or complex mechanical systems, researchers developed a method based on extremely fast electrical pulses. These pulses last less than 100 nanoseconds, a tiny fraction of a second, and generate small plasma discharges capable of directly influencing the chemical reaction of the fuel.

The plasma works as an electronic switch for combustion, when pulses are applied the reaction is stimulated, when they cease combustion can be interrupted, ws an elegant approach because it requires very little electrical energy and adds virtually no mechanical complexity to the system. The fuel used also represents a key innovation, led by scientist Alejandro Briseño, the research developed a propellant based on ionic liquid polymers, this material combines characteristics normally difficult to gather in a single substance: thermal stability, mechanical resistance and the ability to respond to electrochemical stimuli.

The result is a fuel capable of remaining stable for long periods in the space environment, withstanding extreme temperature variations without losing its properties. In addition, the system eliminates the need for complex pressurized tanks, reducing weight, costs and operational risks. The implications of this technology can be enormous. Small satellites, especially cubsats, often suffer from propulsion limitations that restrict their maneuvering capabilities. A re-ignitable solid motor would allow corrections to be made in orbit, avoid collisions with space debris, execute long-duration missions, and even explore more complex trajectories in deep space without resorting to expensive and delicate systems.

It's one of those advances that seem inconspicuous at first glance, but can profoundly change the way we design spacecraft for decades to come.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you like posts about #science, #planet, #politics, #rights #crypto, #traveling and discovering secrets and beauties of the #universe, feel free to Follow me as these are the topics I write about the most. Have a wonderful day and stay on this great platform :) :)

! The truth will set us free and science is the one that is closest to the truth!

---