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Old November 23rd 03, 05:58 AM
Henry Spencer
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Default RLV physicaly impossible ?

In article ,
Paul Spielmann wrote:
...liquid propellant engines, and they seem to
think they can make these engines totaly reuseble, let me remind you
about the physical laws of thermodynamics (heat) that makes it
impossible to turn the engines on and off forever or atleast alot of
times!


How, exactly, do the laws of thermodynamics make it impossible to turn a
rocket engine on and off a lot? Be specific. The small engines used as
attitude-control thrusters in spacecraft are sometimes rated (by testing,
not theoretical calculation) for 300,000 or more firings.
--
MOST launched 30 June; first light, 29 July; 5arcsec | Henry Spencer
pointing, 10 Sept; first science, early Oct; all well. |