3D printingThe launch system that powers the future must be reusable…
BERTA Combustion Chamber Demonstrator. Source: ESA
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On February 18, 2019, the European Space Agency (ESA) tested the belt3D printingThe reference lift of the BERTA rocket engine in the combustion chamber is 2.45 kN (550.78 lbf).
Ignition test of BERTA combustion chamber demonstrator. Source: ESA
BERTA is considered3D printingETID for larger engines (Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator-ETID is an extended cycle technology integrated demonstrator).
BERTA Combustion Chamber Demonstrator. Source: ESA
ETID is the pioneer technology carrier of the next-generation 10-ton rocket engine, some of which can also be used to upgrade the existing Vinci engine, which powers the Ariane 6. Passing the first test is regarded by ESA as an important step in the additive manufacturing of rocket engine parts.Prometheus, the 100-ton rocket engine used in the next-generation launch vehicle, will also benefit from the BERTA test process and gain technical inheritance, such as additive manufacturing of complex parts and low-cost combustion chamber manufacturing technology.
The combustion chamber was developed by the Ariane Group as part of the ESA Future Launcher Preparation Program (FLPP) project. The BERTA engine developed by the Ariane Group is designed for “storable propellant”, which means that the fuel can be stored at room temperature. This type of engine can be ignited several times and is very reliable. They can be used for missions outside of Earth’s orbit and last for several months.According to China3D printingNetwork understanding, In the development of next-generation rockets, NASA and SpaceX’s cooperation relationship is getting closer and closer. The rapid progress of the United States in the field of rocket launches may have put pressure on the European space launch industry. The Ariane Group received support from the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2017, with a total budget of over 80 million Euros for Ariane’s new generation of liquid oxygen-methane rocket engines-Prometheus.
Prometheus is a new generation rocket engine launched by Ariane Group and CNES in 2015 after Ariane 6. The design feature of this engine is low-cost. The goal is to reduce the manufacturing cost of rocket engines by at least 10 times and be repeatable. use.According to Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the current circulation system of liquid rocket engines is mainly divided into open-cycle and closed-cycle Liang Hong. The open-cycle engine is designed and manufactured at low cost, but its performance is not high. The closed-cycle system propellant can be fully utilized, and the engine performance is high. Among them, the low-temperature propellant rocket engine has the advantages of low difficulty, high performance, high reliability, strong reusability and good starting performance.
Cryogenic propellant rocket engines mainly refer to hydrogen-oxygen rocket engines, such as Vinci engines, which use low-temperature hydrogen (LH2:
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