For most uses, though, torch
igniters seem quite satisfactory.
I second that with >1000 successful torch ignitions under my belt.
Years ago I turned down a job with Beal Aerospace because he wouldn't budge
from HTP as his main/only oxidizer.
When I suggested he think about alternative oxidizers like LOx, he nearly
got angry. With such a closed mind attitude I felt the company's days were
numbered.
The rest is history.
Ken
On Fri, Oct 1, 2021 at 1:20 PM Norman Yarvin <yarvin@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Fri, Oct 01, 2021 at 11:58:10AM -0700, Matthew Travis wrote:
... a new “green” non-toxic and environmentally-friendly hypergolic
bipropellant in an operational system. This will enable very low
system cost, minimal infrastructure requirements and low launch
costs. A lot of our tech is proprietary but I can say that our
oxidizer uses RGHP and the fuel is NOT petroleum-based (e.g. RP1,
Kerosene, etc.).
I take it RGHP is "rocket grade hydrogen peroxide"?
To me, the main market for hypergolics seems like it's orbital
maneuvering. Brief pulses of thrust which have to be precise are a
scenario where self-ignition can be a big plus, and since less fuel is
involved, fuel cost is less of an issue. For most uses, though, torch
igniters seem quite satisfactory.