Patent ID: 6343464
Filing Date: 2002-02-05
Classification: F02C,F02K,F03G,F24S,Y02E

Abstract:
A solar thermal rocket, comprising:a. a thermal energy storage section for initial heating of a propellant to a first temperature exceeding approximately 1570Â° K; b. a direct gain section for continued heating of said propellant to a second temperature at which said propellant may be effectively used as a rocket fuel, said direct gain section being in fluid communication with said thermal energy storage section; c. a propulsion nozzle in fluid communication with said direct gain section; d. a solar concentrator that focuses solar energy toward said thermal energy storage section and said direct gain section; e. means for selectively directing solar energy from said solar concentrator to either said thermal energy storage section or said direct gain section; f. a propellant storage container, said container being in fluid communication with said thermal energy storage section; and g. a propulsion nozzle in fluid communication with said direct gain section.