ISOTOPE-HEATED HYDRAZINE ENGINE

The MMPHE (nuclear isotope monopropellant hydrazine engine) employs an encapsulated radioisotope located in thermal contact with the thrust chamber catalyst bed to heat the bed to the temperature level necessary to achieve the specified starting transient for rocket engines. These systems deliver significantly higher specific impulses than unheated systems for intermittent pulsed applications. (M.C.G.)