Patent ID: 6574951
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: F03H,F24S,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
A solar thermal rocket, comprising:a solar energy concentrator means for directing solar energy into a defined region; a plurality of pressure vessels positioned adjacent to the defined region with each vessel having: a plurality of thermal energy storage elements contained entirely within the vessel, wherein each thermal energy storage element is constructed from a thermal storage material with a protective coating and wherein the thermal energy storage elements in at least one pressure vessel are arranged in a concentric array; means for positioning the individual thermal energy storage elements to form passageways through which a propellant may flow; an inlet for receiving the propellant into the vessel; means for distributing the propellant inside of the vessel; and an outlet for expelling the propellant out of the vessel; a propellant storage container in fluid communication with the inlet of the at least one pressure vessel; and a propulsion nozzle in fluid communication with the outlet of the at least one pressure vessel.