Solar thermal rocket engine

RU patent № 2126493

The invention is intended for using in propulsion systems of inter-orbital transport vehicles. The engine contains a receiver of solar radiation. It is made in the form of solar array with photovoltaic converters, heat accumulator - heat exchanger (RF patent № 2150054) charged by high-temperature electric heater working on power generated by solar array, tank with working fluid, working fluid feed system and nozzle. Updated engine, where working fluid heating and afterburning with oxidizer occur, contains the same main aggregates and units as an engine without afterburning. Moreover this engine has an afterburning chamber, tank with oxidizer and oxidizer feed system. Such engine and its modification with afterburning substantially simplifies the problem of development, manufacturing and maintenance and provides high ballistic efficiency of use in the structure of inter-orbital transport vehicles.