Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a catalyst bed for catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which uses 3-D printing techniques to form a porous metal backbone and treating the surface of the metal backbone to activate the surface, wherein the metal backbone is formed of a noble metal or a manganese complex. Also disclosed is a rocket engine having a 3D printed catalyst for catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, a fuel store, an oxidizer store, and a rocket engine, wherein the oxidizer is a stabilized solution of hydrogen peroxide, and a 3D printed catalyst bed.

Abstract: An integral propulsion and auxiliary power generation system includes a rocket engine, a liquid propellant supply system, an auxiliary electrical system, and a transmission system. The liquid propellant supply system is configured to supply a liquid fuel and a liquid oxidizer to the rocket engine. The liquid propellant supply system includes a gas generator configured to burn a mixture of the liquid fuel and the liquid oxidizer to generate a combustion gas stream, and a gas turbine configured to convert the kinetic energy of the combustion gas stream into mechanical energy. The auxiliary electrical system includes a power generator configured to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and an electric load device electrically coupled to the power generator. The transmission system is configured to mechanically couple the gas turbine and the power generator to selectively transfer mechanical energy between the gas turbine and the power generator.

Abstract: A rocket configured to employ superheated water as a propellant, includes a photon reactor including a photon generator configured to generate UV light to superheat water.