Overview of Future Rocket Engine Control Systems

Abstract

The rise of reusability, additive manufacturing, and the trend towards rocket engine clusters present novel operational challenges for liquid rocket engines. To ensure cost-effective operation while maximizing efficiency and extending service life, there is a pressing need for new control algorithms. This study provides a comprehensive overview of rocket engine control fundamentals and summarizes advanced control techniques such as life-extending control, fault-tolerant control, and advanced cluster control. One promising approach to address these future challenges involves using neural networks as control policies. At the German Aerospace Center (DLR), an intelligent rocket engine controller based on neural networks is currently in development. This paper outlines the technological roadmap of this initiative, including insights from experimental results obtained during test campaigns conducted at DLR’s test benches in Lampoldshausen.The rise of reusability, additive manufacturing, and the trend towards rocket engine clusters present novel operational challenges for liquid rocket engines. To ensure cost-effective operation while maximizing efficiency and extending service life, there is a pressing need for new control algorithms. This study provides a comprehensive overview of rocket engine control fundamentals and summarizes advanced control techniques such as life-extending control, fault-tolerant control, and advanced cluster control. One promising approach to address these future challenges involves using neural networks as control policies. At the German Aerospace Center (DLR), an intelligent rocket engine controller based on neural networks is currently in development. This paper outlines the technological roadmap of this initiative, including insights from experimental results obtained during test campaigns conducted at DLR’s test benches in Lampoldshausen.