About LNG Propulsion System
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The LNG Propulsion System, a new technology using liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gasThe "LNG propulsion system" is a new propellant system to gain thrust by burning liquid natural gas (LNG whose major content is liquid methane) and liquid oxygen in a rocket engine. |
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Characteristics of LNG Propulsion System
Liquid rocket engine
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A liquid-fueled launch vehicle is propelled by burning liquid fuel mixed with oxidizer. The performance and character of a launch vehicle vary depending on the combination of the types of oxidizer and liquid fuel. Some typical examples of the combination are liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen/kerosene, and dinitrogen tetroxide/hydrazine. |
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Benefits of LNG propulsion system
The "LNG propulsion system", which uses a combination of liquid oxygen and liquid natural gas, has the following advantages despite lower performance.
- It is less evaporable in space; therefore, it is suitable for a vehicle that travels to space for a prolonged period, such as an inter-orbit transporter and planetary probe.
- Propellants are less expensive thus the launch cost can be reduced.
- The possibility of an explosion is lower, hence it is safer.
- Thanks to the high density, the propellant tank can be smaller; therefore it is suitable for a large-size launch vehicle such as a reusable transporter.
By taking advantage of the above merits, the LNG propulsion system has a potential to be applied for various projects including a first stage propellant system for a reusable transportation system, and an inter-orbit transporter and planetary probe that requires relatively low thrust for a moon and planetary exploration project.