Analysis of Hydrogen and Methane as a Fuel for Electrically Augmented Expander Cycle Engine

Abstract

With the increase in activity and momentum towards Lunar and Martian exploration and habitation, there is a need for a reliable, reusable and versatile engine which can also use a propellant that can be produced in situ. The Osiris Electrically Augmented Expander Cycle Engine, developed in an earlier Masters Project work, can fill that role; however, one of the important parameters to be considered for this implementation is the choice of the right fuel. Liquid hydrogen and liquid methane are the two fuels being considered for this engine due to their potential for in situ production, but which of these two would be the ideal choice? The objective of this study is to understand the effects of hydrogen and methane as fuel in a spacecraft with the Osiris Electrically Augmented Expander Cycle Engine for Lunar and interplanetary missions. The study will create two specific use case envelopes for a mission to the Moon and Mars for which a spacecraft with the two versions of the engine will be defined. The study will then look at six different aspects and how these two fuel versions compare against each other and then look at the merits of hydrogen and methane as a fuel for exploration missions as a whole at the end.