World’s first battery-powered rocket

Dec 25, 2015

Rocket Lab has developed the Rutherford engine, a small satellite launcher, the Electron launch system would use battery-powered turbomachinery and it is the world’s first battery-operated rocket. It is designed to transform the global space industry with low cost per mission and high frequency launches of small satellites.

The company showcased its Rutherford engine at the annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. It has also received funding from U.S.Defense Department. Rocket Lab’s mission is to remove commercial barriers to space.

The engine has two electric motors the size of a soda can one for each propellant. The engine uses high performance DC electric motors to drive its kerosene turbomachinery and liquid oxygen. Lithium polymer batteries provide power to the engine and the small motors generate 50 hp while spinning to drive at 40,000 rpm.

Scientists were able to boosts efficiency from 50% to 95% in compared to a typical gas generator cycle. Electron is twenty meter in length, one meter diameter and has a lift-off mass of 10,500 kg. The vehicle can deliver payloads of up to 100 kg to a 500 km, which is the target range for the high growth small satellite market. 

Source:http://www.parabolicarc.com/2015/04/14/rocket-lab-unveils-battery-powered-motor/