// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Composite Propellant
A composite propellant is a type of solid rocket fuel made by mixing solid particles of fuel and oxidizer within a polymeric binder, which also acts as a fuel.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Composite propellants are a class of solid rocket motor propellants characterized by a heterogeneous mixture of solid oxidizer particles (e.g., ammonium perchlorate) and metallic fuel particles (e.g., aluminum) embedded in a polymeric binder matrix (e.g., HTPB) which also contributes to the fuel, offering tailored performance and mechanical properties.
BACKGROUND
Rocket propellant is used as a reaction mass ejected from a rocket engine to produce thrust. The energy required can either come from the propellants themselves, as with a chemical rocket, or from an external source, as with ion engines.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Solid Composite Propellant
- APCP (Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant)
- HTPB propellant
- Polymer-bonded propellant
USAGE NOTE
These propellants are widely used in solid rocket boosters for space launch vehicles and military missiles due to their good storage stability and high thrust.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Composite Propellant.
A leading developer and manufacturer of aerospace propulsion systems, including solid rocket motors that utilize advanced composite propellants for various space and defense applications.
A major defense contractor and aerospace company, with significant expertise in solid rocket propulsion systems for launch vehicles and missile defense, heavily relying on composite propellant technology.
A joint venture between Airbus and Safran, developing and manufacturing propulsion systems for European space launchers, including solid rocket boosters that employ high-performance composite propellants.
Specializes in the research, development, and testing of advanced rocket propulsion systems, including innovative solid and hybrid rocket motors that often incorporate new composite propellant formulations.
A leading international aerospace and defense company providing high-performance rocket motors and energetic materials, including advanced solid rocket propellants for a range of applications.
India's national space agency, which designs, develops, and manufactures its own launch vehicles and solid rocket motors, extensively using indigenously developed composite propellants.
An Israeli defense technology company that develops and manufactures sophisticated missile systems and rocket motors, which rely on advanced solid composite propellants for performance.
A prominent university research facility focused on propulsion engineering, conducting extensive research into the development, characterization, and combustion of various propellants, including advanced composite solid propellants.