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    ESA > Our Activities > Launchers > Launcher Technology

    Solid propulsion

    Solid propellant stage

    Solid propulsion technology is often used for a launcher's boosters or main stage to enable a launcher to lift off. At present, a solid rocket booster is usually made up of a steel case containing blocks of a self-burning mixture called solid propellant. When this burns the gases produced are forced through a nozzle to provide the power for liftoff.

    Several new solid propulsion technologies are being developed in the frame of the Vega/P80 programme to increase performance and reduce costs. These technologies include:

    • monolithic carbon fibre reinforced polymer motor case
    • high performance propellant and grain design
    • low-density internal thermal insulation
    • nozzle using low-cost materials and advanced manufacturing processes
    • advanced flex joints
    • electro-mechanical actuators

     

    Other technologies under development that could be used on future launch systems include:

    • segmentation of carbon fibre reinforced polymer case and skirt/case connection
    • development of a low-cost propellant and high energy propellants
    • assessing new motor designs with respect to pressure oscillations

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