Last week researchers from Purdue and Penn
State University launched a rocket that uses an unconventional propellant:
aluminum-ice. The fuel mix, dubbed ALICE, is made of nano-aluminum powder and
frozen water, and gets its thrust from the chemical reaction between the
ingredients. The propellant is environmentally friendly, and it could perhaps allow
spacecraft to refuel at locations like the moon, where water
has been discovered.
aluminum-ice propellant. Credit: Purdue University
Using aluminum for fuel is not completely new–the space shuttle’s solid rocket boosters use a small amount of the metal, as will NASA’s Ares rocket. But the new work involves making aluminum one of the key ingredients by using nanoscale particles. These tiny particles, when ignited, combust more rapidly than larger particles, forcing more exhaust gases out of the metal and giving the rocket the necessary kick.
The oxygen and hydrogen in water molecules enhance the combustion of the aluminum. Freezing the propellant keeps it intact, avoiding any premature reactions.
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