Abstract: A multipulse rocket motor includes a secondary pulse, fired after a primary pulse of the motor, that includes a thermal insulator having channels therein, around a propellant grain of the secondary pulse. The channels provide a way to equalize pressure on the propellant grain of the secondary pulse, to reduce stresses on the propellant grain as the primary pulse is operating. The channels may extend along most or substantially all of a length of the secondary pulse. The channels may be defined by material strips of thermal insulator material evenly circumferentially spaced around the secondary pulse.

Abstract: A catalyst free method of igniting an ionic liquid is provided. The method can include mixing a liquid hypergol with a HAN-based ionic liquid to ignite the HAN-based ionic liquid in the absence of a catalyst. The HAN-based ionic liquid and the liquid hypergol can be injected into a combustion chamber. The HAN-based ionic liquid and the liquid hypergol can impinge upon a stagnation plate positioned at top portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming a metalized polymeric bubble in a space, microgravity environment is described. A liquid polymer bubble having a predetermined diameter is formed from a mixture comprising a liquid polymer and at least one of a UV curing material, a stabilizer, a UV absorber, or a surfactant. The liquid polymer bubble is cured with radiation to form a rigid polymer bubble. The rigid polymer bubble is then metalized with a metal to form the metalized polymeric bubble.