FP7/Space-2012-1/313271 "Pulsed chemical rocket with green high performance propellants". 1/1/2013 - 31/12/2015
In this project, the laboratory has the responsibility for designing, studying and constructing the combustion chamber of a new type of mini-rocket (left) using material systems that can withstand the 5Bar pressure at combustion temperatures of up to 3200οC. In addition, a small working demonstrator needs to be constructed and demonstrated by the end of the project. It is interesting to note that the idea of the new pulsed rocket has come from the bombardier beetle (left, bottom) which uses a similar rocket principle to spray its enemies when threatened.
The successful culmination of the project will result in a new, environmentally cleaner and more benign rocket at lower mass to be used for course correction of small robotic craft and other space applications.
The project is being coordinated by the space rocket manufacturer ALTA (It) and take part another 9 partners from Europe the US and Japan.