FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF LIQUID PROPELLANT SETTLING IN THE TANKS OF A SPACE PROPULSION SYSTEM AFTER FLYING IN ZERO GRAVITY USING A SEPARATING TURN MANUEVER OF THE ORBITAL UNIT

Abstract

The paper presents results of preliminary design feasibility studies of using inertial settling of liquid propellant in tanks of space liquid rocket propulsion systems and separating from the propellant the ullage gases formed in zero gravity by means of centrifugal forces generated when the orbital unit performs the programmed turn maneuver proposed by the author.\nIt shows that performing propellant settling and ullage gas separation by means of the separating turn maneuver makes it possible to significantly reduce propellant consumption in propulsion systems for attitude control and ullage engines.\nKey words: space liquid rocket propulsion system, main engine, separation of ullage gases from liquid propellant, separating turn maneuver of the orbital unit.