Conrad Tomas Jensen

US Patent:

20230130545, Apr 27, 2023

Filed:

Jul 18, 2022

Appl. No.:

17/813312

Inventors:

- Lake View Terrace CA, US
Philip J. Wahl - Altadena CA, US
Conrad T. Jensen - Altadena CA, US
James G. Small - Sonoita AZ, US
Benjamin G. Workinger - Chattanooga TN, US

International Classification:

F02K 9/64
F02K 9/60
B64G 1/40
F24S 20/20
F02K 9/42
F02K 9/44
F24S 23/30
F24S 23/70
F03H 99/00
B64G 1/44
F24S 70/16

Abstract:

Omnivorous solar thermal thrusters and adjustable cooling structures are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar thermal rocket engine includes a solar thermal thruster configured to receive solar energy and one or more propellants, and heat the one or more propellants using the solar energy to generate thrust. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use a plurality of different propellant types, either singly or in combination simultaneously. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use the one or more propellants in both liquid and gaseous states. Related structures can include valves and variable-geometry cooling channels in thermal contact with a thruster wall.

US Patent:

20210404419, Dec 30, 2021

Filed:

Apr 26, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/240750

Inventors:

- Lake View Terrace CA, US
Philip J. Wahl - Altadena CA, US
Conrad T. Jensen - Altadena CA, US
James G. Small - Sonoita AZ, US
Benjamin G. Workinger - Chattanooga TN, US

International Classification:

F02K 9/64
F02K 9/44
F24S 20/20
F24S 23/30
F24S 23/70

Abstract:

Omnivorous solar thermal thrusters and adjustable cooling structures are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar thermal rocket engine includes a solar thermal thruster configured to receive solar energy and one or more propellants, and heat the one or more propellants using the solar energy to generate thrust. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use a plurality of different propellant types, either singly or in combination simultaneously. The solar thermal thruster is further configured to use the one or more propellants in both liquid and gaseous states. Related structures can include valves and variable-geometry cooling channels in thermal contact with a thruster wall.