Comments on: Gizmos & Gadgets: A Rocket Goes Electric https://techsomogro.com/rockets-electric/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rockets-electric Science, Technology and the Future Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:12:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 By: lenrosen4 https://techsomogro.com/rockets-electric/#comment-14154 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:12:00 +0000 http://www.21stcentech.com/?p=17070#comment-14154 Allen Gage. Hi Allen, Where I think this technology can play is in the launching of cubesats. A typical launch could carry a number of these micro-satellites into orbit defraying the high cost per pound to some extent. And if it can equal the ambitious launch schedule, would to some degree democratize access to outer space.]]> In reply to Allen Gage.

Hi Allen, Where I think this technology can play is in the launching of cubesats. A typical launch could carry a number of these micro-satellites into orbit defraying the high cost per pound to some extent. And if it can equal the ambitious launch schedule, would to some degree democratize access to outer space.

]]> By: Allen Gage https://techsomogro.com/rockets-electric/#comment-14151 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 20:20:00 +0000 http://www.21stcentech.com/?p=17070#comment-14151 Looks like it’s just a small thrust 290 pound/second regenerative LOX/RP1 engine with battery powered turbo pumps. That means the turbo pumps (the just about-to-explode pounding hearts of nearly all liquid-propellant rockets) will be extremely reliable and engine start sequence much less critical. The thrust is developed by burning chemical propellants in the thrust chamber and differential gas pressure across the injector face. and nozzle throat area. The electric-motor-driven pumps solve the throttability problem that is so difficult to control with hot gas generator/turbine pump systems. Still, seems like a times-ten cost increase is a high price to pay for very high turbopump reliability and precision thrust throttability. Perhaps there will be rising demand for very high value 250-pound microsatellites in precise low-earth-orbits. But one launch every three days? Seems interesting, but not a game-changer. A real space game-changer must put a pound in orbit for less than $500, maybe even less than $50.

But, it’s hard to put a definite value on utter reliability of short-notice launches. There may be classified military missions where costs don’t matter much, and quick response with total reliability is most important.

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