Zhiyu Aerospace Technology, a Chinese startup also known as Z-Trak Space, has unveiled an innovative approach to launching small rockets using supercritical carbon dioxide. This groundbreaking technique promises to transform traditional launch pads, as rockets will now be propelled into the air without the immediate ignition of their engines on the ground. Instead, the rockets will be ejected from their launch systems by the expansion of pressurized carbon dioxide, akin to a cork popping from a champagne bottle.
The project is in collaboration with Chiyang Space Power Technology, aiming to facilitate more cost-effective, frequent, and quicker launches. The initial phase of this method allows rockets to be launched without relying on fixed infrastructure, enabling them to achieve altitude before igniting their engines. This "cold" launch method significantly reduces the thermal and acoustic stress typically experienced by ground facilities during traditional "hot" launches.
The underlying physics of this process relies on the properties of CO2 when subjected to conditions above its critical point, approximately 31 degrees Celsius and 73 atmospheres of pressure. In this state, carbon dioxide behaves as a supercritical fluid, capable of rapid expansion when pressure is released or heat is applied. This expansion will be utilized as a pneumatic impulse to propel the rocket upward, allowing it to ignite its engines only after reaching a predetermined height.
While this technique offers fuel savings, its main advantage lies in decoupling the initiation of the launch from the ignition of the rocket engines. This new architecture could simplify ground support equipment, speed up preparations for subsequent launches, and pave the way for more mobile launch systems.
It's important to note that carbon dioxide will not replace rocket fuel but rather serve as a mechanism for initial thrust. The rocket will still rely on its own engines to reach orbital velocity.
Zhang Zihan, the founder of Z-Trak Space, emphasized that this technology is part of a broader initiative to develop reusable small liquid rockets, focusing on a combination of liquid oxygen and methane as propellants. The company is currently testing its "Hantian" engine and plans to launch its "Fission No. 1" rocket, capable of carrying payloads up to 450 kilograms.
As the aerospace industry evolves, this innovative approach could disrupt traditional launch methods, providing a competitive edge for Zhiyu Aerospace and potentially changing the landscape for other players in the market.
Informational material. 18+.
