German Company HyImpulse Successfully Launches Rocket "SR75" Powered by Paraffin Fuel
A Milestone in Rocket Technology
German aerospace startup HyImpulse has achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully launching its paraffin-fueled rocket, "SR75," into space for the first time. The launch took place from Koonibba, Australia, and marks a major step in demonstrating the viability of paraffin-based rockets for commercial satellite transportation.
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| German company HyImpulse successfully launched the rocket "SR75" powered by paraffin fuel for the first time. |
The SR75 Rocket: An Innovative Approach
The 12-meter, 2.5-tonne "SR75" rocket is powered by a unique combination of paraffin (also known as candle wax) and liquid oxygen, making it safer and more environmentally friendly compared to traditional kerosene-based rockets. The rocket is designed to carry payloads up to 250 kg into suborbital space, reaching altitudes of up to 250 km.
Advantages of Paraffin Fuel
Paraffin fuels offer several advantages over conventional propellants. They are inherently safer to handle, have higher energy efficiency, and produce fewer environmental pollutants. The use of paraffin in rocket propulsion could lead to reduced transportation costs for launching satellites, with estimates suggesting a reduction of up to 50%.
Mario Kobald, CEO of HyImpulse, stated, "We are signaling Germany's strength as an astronautical nation and expanding Europe's access to space." HyImpulse's innovative approach with paraffin-fueled rockets has the potential to revolutionize the satellite launch industry.
HyImpulse's Future Plans
HyImpulse's success with the "SR75" rocket is part of a broader plan to develop and deploy a larger multi-stage rocket, the "SL-1," by the end of 2024. The "SL-1" rocket will be capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 600 kg into low Earth orbit, expanding the company's capabilities for commercial satellite deployment.
The company, with 65 employees, was originally a spin-off from Germany's space agency DLR. HyImpulse has already secured orders for satellite transport worth 100 million euros ($105 million), indicating strong interest in its innovative paraffin-fueled rocket technology.
About Paraffin Fuel
Paraffin, or kerosene, is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid used as fuel. It is derived from various sources, including coal, wood, and oil shale, but is most commonly obtained from the distillation of petroleum. Paraffin has a chemical formula of CnH2n+2, with those having fewer than five carbon atoms being gases at room temperature, while those with more than 15 carbon atoms are solid.
Paraffin's boiling point ranges from 150 to 275 degrees Celsius, and its safety characteristics make it a suitable alternative to conventional rocket fuels. This makes paraffin a valuable resource in rocket propulsion, contributing to cost-effective and safer satellite launches.
Conclusion
The successful launch of the "SR75" rocket by HyImpulse represents a significant milestone in the field of rocket technology, showcasing the potential of paraffin-fueled rockets for commercial satellite transportation. This achievement not only highlights Germany's prowess in aerospace but also paves the way for more sustainable and cost-effective space exploration. The future looks promising for HyImpulse as it continues to push the boundaries of rocket innovation.
