Abstract: There is disclosed a system including a catalytic heat exchanger reactor configured to carry out exothermic decomposition of stable chemical species possessing positive heats of formation. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to enhance decomposition reaction rates by contacting gas entering with a hot surface. The catalytic heat exchanger is configured to receive N2O and create N2 and O2. A torch is created by fuel together with the hot N2 and the O2. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to, after an initial period of time, to allow a rapid transfer of products of the decomposition reaction into an engine. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to enhance decomposition reaction rates by contacting gas entering with a hot surface, and the catalytic heat exchanger reactor is configured to promote the atomization and vaporization of liquid and gelled fuels with gas. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable life support system with a component for removal of at least one selected gas. In an embodiment, the system includes a supported liquid membrane having a first side and a second side in opposition to one another, the first side configured for disposition toward an astronaut and the second side configured for disposition toward a vacuum atmosphere. The system further includes an ionic liquid disposed between the first side and the second side of the supported liquid membrane, the ionic liquid configured for removal of at least one selected gas from a region housing the astronaut adjacent the first side of the supported liquid membrane to the vacuum atmosphere adjacent the second side of the supported liquid membrane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of cleaning a liquid hydrocarbon-cooled bipropellant rocket engine. In an embodiment, method includes heating the engine to a temperature. The method includes applying ozone for a period of time. The method includes determining the temperature and the period of time are each sufficient to remove carbonaceous deposits. In another embodiment, the method may further include thermally imaging the heat transfer surfaces. There is disclosed apparatus for cleaning a liquid hydrocarbon-cooled bipropellant rocket engine. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a heater, an ozone source, and a thermal camera. Other embodiments are also disclosed.