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Plans have been formulated for chemical propulsion technology programs to meet the needs of advanced space transportation systems during the two decades from 1980 to the year 2000. The many possible vehicle applications have been reviewed and cataloged to isolate the common threads of primary propulsion technology that will satisfy near term requirements in the first decade and at the same time establish the technology groundwork for various potential far term applications in the second decade. Two thrust classes of primary propulsion engines are apparent: (1) 5,000 to 30,000 pounds thrust for upper stages and space maneuvering; (2) large booster engines of over 250,000 pounds thrust. Six major classes of propulsion systems and the important subdivisions of each class have been identified. The relative importance of each class is discussed in terms of the number of potential applications, the likelihood of that application materializing, and the criticality of the technology needed. Specific technology programs are described and scheduled to fulfill the anticipated primary propulsion technology requirements of the period.

The generation of technology for injectors, cooled thrust chambers, valves, and ignition systems is discussed. The thrusters are designed to meet a unique and stringent set of requirements, including: long life for 100 mission reuses, high performance, light weight, ability to provide long duration firings as well as small impulse bits, ability to operate over wide ranges of propellant inlet conditions and to withstand reentry heating. The program has included evaluation of thrusters designed for ambient temperature and cold gaseous propellants at the vehicle interface.

FLOX methane propellant rocket engines, describing operating conditions, injectors, thrust chambers fabrication and cooling, engine cycles, turbomachinery, etc

Regenerative cooling system for rocket combustion chamber using coolant tubes in convergent-divergent nozzle

Igniter capsule for chemical ignition of liquid rocket propellants

Chapter 2 of the book "… to insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence…" is presented. It presents information on the history of the U.S. armed forces. It makes specific reference to the constitution of the United States and U.S.' means for ensuring its national security and liberty for its people.