05 MAR. 2004
publication date
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This page reflected ESA’s future space transportation policy in 2004 but is not updated. It is kept for historical purposes.
Solid propulsion technology is often used for a launcher's boosters or main stage to enable a launcher to lift off. A solid rocket booster is usually made up of a 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 were developed in the frame of the Vega/P80 programme to increase performance and reduce costs. These technologies included:
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
Media modal
Electronic Mail Invitation to Tender System (EMITS)
IXV flyer
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