Deep Space Propulsion

High energy space missions are much complicated and are not discussed much in terms of rocket designs. I would like to propose a propulsion design for deep space missions. Such as Jupiter and Saturn probes. These missions require third stage rockets that can generate thrust with multiple burns and the duration between the burns would be in terms of months. Liquid propulsion engines are used for this purpose. They are quite complicated and require pressurized tanks which add weight. My proposition is to use a specially designed solid booster.

The solid boosters utilize solidified propellent. I propose the development of putty like propellent that doesn’t dry. The objective is to mechanically remove some of this putty by a rotating disk’s hollow section and bring it to the confined combustion zone to be fired. This isolates the propellant from the combustion zone. A light weight disk above the propellant would push it towards the disk’s hollow section. This is achieved by the inertia generated after each burn. As a result, very high thrust would be generated in pulses on demand. Solid propellants are more energy dense per volume compared to liquid counterparts. This is important for the restricted dimensions of deep space probes. Simplified design reduces failure rate which is important for missions that take years.

The design can be improved mechanically. The idea is to burn a solid propellant in small pieces on demand.