Accelerated Aging Tests of HTPB-Based Propellants

Propulsion Systems Operation

Propulsion by rocket engines followed two distinct paths throughout the twentieth century. One, according to Tsiolkovsky's view in Russia, Goddard's in the United States, Esnault-Pelterie's in France, and Oberth's in Germany, understood that rocket propulsion was the key to accessing outer space, and for the consolidation of space travel, we opted for rocket propellant (MFPL) propulsion because of its superior performance when compared to solid propellant rocket propulsion (MFPS) propulsion. The other route in which it followed the propulsion by rocket motors was towards the development of the systems of armaments, in which the propulsion was adopted by motor rocket to solid propellant. It was decided to use the MFPS based on the need to combine good performance with the other characteristics provided by this propulsion model, such as the possibility of immediate use, its compact dimensions, lower cost and longer service life. At the end of the 20th century, liquid and solid propulsion technologies also found applications in an integrated form in launch vehicles and missiles, among others (Davenas, 2003).