What’s the Buzz About the New Throttleable Rocket Engine?

ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) has marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of the first phase of hot-fire tests for the Throttleable Liquid Propulsion Demonstrator (TLPD). Developed by a Polish consortium, this innovative engine is designed to offer variable thrust for future space missions and reusable rockets. The TLPD’s promising early tests set the stage for its potential applications in various space exploration scenarios.

How Does the Throttleable Liquid Propulsion Demonstrator Work?

The TLPD engine features advanced fuel injectors and control valves that enable it to adjust its thrust dynamically. With a maximum thrust of 5kN, it’s ideal for smaller rockets, in-space vehicles, and lunar landers. The engine operates on storable propellants—hydrogen peroxide and ethanol—which are safer and more reliable than traditional cryogenic fuels. These propellants ignite upon contact, eliminating the need for complex ignition systems and ensuring a simpler, more robust design.

What Are the Key Innovations in the TLPD Engine?

The TLPD engine showcases several cutting-edge features:

Electronically Controlled Valves:
These regulate the flow of propellants into the combustion chamber, allowing for precise thrust control.

Pintle Injector:
This component ensures stable combustion by mixing the ethanol and hydrogen peroxide effectively.

Throttle Capability:
The engine can be throttled from 20% to 110% of its maximum thrust, making it adaptable for different mission requirements, such as landing on various planetary bodies.

What Did the Recent Tests Reveal?

Initial static tests of the TLPD engine were successful, prompting an early transition to dynamic throttling tests. During these tests, the engine demonstrated its ability to vary thrust levels between 20% and 80% of its optimal performance. These promising results indicate that the engine is on track for further development and testing, with full dynamic throttle tests scheduled to begin in October.

What’s Next for the TLPD Engine?

The next phase will involve more extensive dynamic tests, with longer firing durations to thoroughly evaluate the engine’s throttle capabilities. Discussions between ESA's FLPP and the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation (Lukasiewicz-ILOT) are underway to continue the project and advance towards designing a fully throttleable flight engine.

Stay tuned as we follow the journey of the TLPD engine and its potential to revolutionize space propulsion and planetary exploration!🚀