Drive systems

Components and Systems

  • Components for use with state-of-the-art and eco-friendly propellants:
    • Fuel and oxidizer tanks
    • Valves
    • Pressure systems
    • Structures
  • Subsystems
  • Integration and testing

Main products under development

  • Ecological propulsion systems for liquid propellant for the Hypersat platform
  • Flow control valves
  • Opening valves
  • Pyrotechnic valves
  • Degradable tanks for liquid propellants
  • The Variable Thrust Rocket Engine (TLPD) demonstrator, using 98% HTP as an oxidizer and green fuel, aims to provide a reusable solution and increased mission flexibility for European space transportation systems

Propulsion solutions for space platforms

Thrust capabilities ranging from 1 to 500 N.

Our expertise includes rocket position control systems utilizing hydrogen peroxide as a propellant, propulsion systems for satellite deorbiting, advanced catalytic assemblies, and the development of innovative, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly rocket fuels. Experience fully ecological propulsion systems tailored for small space platforms.

Key Developmental Products

  1. 1 N Hydrogen Peroxide Engine (ESA Funding): An ESA-funded initiative to develop a high-performance, single-component propellant engine.
  2. POLON – Ecological Propulsion System for Small Satellite Platforms (NCBR Funding): NCBR-funded project focusing on an environmentally friendly propulsion system.

Two-Component Liquid Propellant Engines

Advancements in two-component liquid propellant engines designed for satellite applications and upper-stage rocket propulsion. Offerings include environmentally friendly, long-term storage propulsion systems suitable for exploratory missions, featuring controlled thrust capabilities for landers. Cost-effective solutions through additive manufacturing technologies and power systems with electric pumps/turbines powered by HTP. Design and testing capabilities for engines with thrust up to 100 kN through national partnerships.

Key Developmental Products

  1. 10–20 N Two-Component Propellant Engine (ESA Funding): ESA-supported project focusing on a thrust-optimized ecological propulsion solution.
  2. Liquid Apogee Engine (450 N Thrust, ESA Funding): A high-thrust engine utilizing environmentally friendly propellants.
  3. Ecological Propulsion for Upper Stages of Launch Vehicles (NCBR Funding): NCBR-funded initiative for an ecological propulsion system with multiple ignitions and thrust range of 5–8 kN.
  4. Ecological Propellant Engine with Controlled Thrust (ESA Funding): ESA-supported project for landers and reusable rocket stages.

Project funded by the National Center for Research and Development for the safety and defense of the state.

Hybrid Rocket Engines

High-efficiency hybrid rocket engines featuring energy-efficient designs through hydrogen peroxide with a concentration exceeding 98%. Experience in 3D printing complex geometries of rocket fuel grains and patented fuel technology.

Key Developmental Product

  1. Hybrid Rocket Engine using Environmentally Friendly Polyethylene Fuel (4 kN Thrust): A scalable technology successfully utilized in suborbital missions.

Solid Propellant Rocket Engines

Cost-effective solid propellant rocket engines with composite structures, flight-tested and validated. Offerings include high-performance solid propellants, both composite and double-base, suitable for micro-launch vehicles with high mass fraction. Development of small engines for stage separation, position control, and gas generators based on solid propellant, utilizing low-temperature combustion propellants free from solid combustion products, ideal for powering gas turbines.

Key Developmental Products

  1. Solid Propellant Rocket Engine for Deorbiting (ESA Funding): ESA-funded projects developing a high-performance solid propellant rocket engine without aluminum additives – the sole European engine meeting ESA’s “Clean Space” initiative requirements.
  2. Auxiliary Solid Propellant Rocket Engine (50 kN Thrust): Project funded by the National Center for Research and Development for safety and defense.
  3. Solid Propellant Rocket Engine (6 kN Thrust) for UAV Launch Assistance: Project funded by the National Center for Research and Development for safety and defense.

Experience in Rocket and Satellite Subsystems

We have experience in developing subsystems for rockets and satellites. We design components according to even the most demanding requirements.

In the field of designing rocket subsystems and components, we offer:

Pyrotechnic devices

  • Pyrotechnic cutters
  • Linear shaped charges
  • Pyrovalves
  • Igniters
  • Actuators
  • Pushers
  • Mortars

Rocket recovery systems

  • Parachute systems
  • Wind tunnel testing
  • Use of the flat spin phenomenon
  • Drop tests
  • Simulations
  • Sea surface recovery system

Control and electronic systems for rockets

  • On-board computers
  • Launch management systems
  • Data acquisition
  • Control systems

Separation mechanisms

  • Auxiliary engine separation systems
  • Main rocket stage separation system
  • Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation has successfully demonstrated the following separation methods:
    • “Fire in the hole”
    • Pyrotechnic separation
    • Aerodynamic separation

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