Low Temperature Hybrid Mars Ascent Vehicle Concept Development at MSFC

Abstract

A hybrid propulsion system is being developed as an option for the Mars Ascent Vehicle. There are several potential advantages to this system including low temperature survivability and higher performance. Both attributes could allow a hybrid system to be a single stage to orbit vehicle, with two firings of the motor. There are some processing and manufacturing issues with the fuel and the motor that must be understood in order for the advantages of a hybrid propulsion system to be realized. This paper discusses recent progress in the manufacturing of the hybrid fuel grains and subscale test firings conducted to characterize design features at MSFC.