INSPIRATION
Utilizing Hydrogen as a fuel for space propulsion is promising since it has a decent energy-to-density ratio as liquid hydrogen. Propulsion entails the direct usage of hydrogen fuel to power rockets, airplanes, and jets, with liquid oxygen-hydrogen systems gaining in popularity for space propulsion.
Recent developments in space technology see blending hydrogen with other fuels to power turbines and propellants to achieve green propulsion. Hybrid-electric systems are especially remarkable in terms of achieving low emissions mobility. Hydrogen peroxide, a derivative of hydrogen, is an alternative fuel under R&D for its potential utility as space vehicle propulsion.
French startup Turbotech designs hybrid-electric propulsion systems for airplanes and electric-vertical take-off and landing (E-VTOL) vehicles. TG-R55 and TG-R90 are the startup’s turbogenerators that produce electric power onboard. When used in conjunction with batteries, they offer up to 10 times
more range, compared to full-electric plane systems. The turbogenerators combine electric generators and turbines, fitted with integrated annular exchangers which enable exhaust gas energy recovery. The startup’s turbogenerators allow for lower weight expenditure on the vehicle, increasing efficiency of travel. The startup also designs a low emission turboprop engine, TP-R90.
US-based startup Ursa Major Technologies engineers liquid hydrogen propulsion systems. Samus is the startup’s 50,000 lbf liquid hydrogen engine. It is a fuel-rich staged combustion upper-stage propulsion solution, eligible for medium and heavy class space-launch applications. The solution produces zero emissions and its architecture is derived from the startup’s previous projects – Hadley, an oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine, and Ripley, a 35,000 lbf liquid oxygen and kerosene engine.
