Advanced thermal rockets

Abstract

Launchers and space vehicles are expensive, and only the most pressing economic, strategic or scientific reasons can justify a space mission. Some areas of space activity—such as communications and Earth observation—are justifiable for economic or strategic reasons, while others—such as pure science, human exploration, or even tourism—have a weaker position. If space is to become a routine environment for human activity, either manned or unmanned, then economic means of access are essential. Much effort is being expended towards this end, and in this chapter we examine some of the physical aspects and limitations, and some of the current approaches. Electric propulsion, discussed in Chapter 6, is less important here than improvements to the design and configuration of thermal rockets. We will first review some basic physical principles.