// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Helium Pressurant
Helium pressurant is compressed helium gas used in rocket propulsion systems to force liquid propellants (fuel and oxidizer) from their storage tanks into the engine combustion chambers. It maintains a constant pressure inside the propellant tanks, ensuring a steady flow.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Helium pressurant is an inert, non-condensable gas, specifically helium (He), employed in aerospace propulsion systems to maintain constant pressure within propellant tanks, facilitating the expulsion of liquid fuels and oxidizers into rocket engines for combustion and thrust generation, crucial for spacecraft and upper stages.
BACKGROUND
The descent propulsion system or lunar module descent engine (LMDE), internal designation VTR-10, is a variable-throttle hypergolic rocket engine invented by Gerard W. Elverum Jr. and developed by Space Technology Laboratories (TRW) for use in the Apollo Lunar Module descent stage. It used Aerozine 50 fuel and dinitrogen tetroxide oxidizer. This engine used a pintle injector, which paved the way for other engines to use similar designs.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- He pressurant
- Tank pressurant
- Pressurant gas
- Helium blowdown gas
USAGE NOTE
Helium is chosen for its inertness, low molecular weight, and insolubility in propellants, making it ideal for pressure-fed systems in satellites and some upper stages, although storing it can be complex.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Helium Pressurant.
Develops and operates advanced reusable rockets, including Falcon 9 and Starship, which utilize sophisticated helium pressurant systems for propellant tanks and other critical functions. Their engineering involves novel approaches to COPVs and pressurant management.
Conducts extensive research and development into advanced helium pressurization systems for launch vehicles, in-space propulsion, and cryogenic propellant storage, focusing on safety, efficiency, and future deep-space missions.
A leading provider of launch services, ULA designs, integrates, and operates launch vehicles like Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur, which incorporate complex helium pressurization systems to ensure reliable propellant delivery to rocket engines.
A major manufacturer of propulsion systems for space, defense, and civil applications, Aerojet Rocketdyne develops and integrates helium pressurant systems as part of their liquid rocket engines and spacecraft propulsion modules.
Develops launch vehicles (New Shepard, New Glenn) and rocket engines (BE-4), which rely on advanced helium pressurization technologies for propellant management, particularly in their cryogenic liquid natural gas and liquid oxygen systems.
A joint venture between Airbus and Safran, ArianeGroup is the prime contractor for European space launch vehicles, including the Ariane family, and develops the associated helium pressurant systems for their cryogenic and storable propellant stages.
Provides a wide range of aerospace and defense solutions, including liquid propulsion systems for launch vehicles and satellites. They develop and integrate helium pressurant systems for reliable propellant feeding and attitude control thrusters.