Science & Technology, UK (Commonwealth Union) – A century-old sci-fi concept just took a giant leap towards reality, potentially giving the UK a powerful edge in the booming space industry. University of Glasgow engineers have fired up the world’s first unsupported “autophage” rocket engine – one that eats its own body for fuel.
This self-devouring design, aptly named after the mythical serpent Ouroboros, offers several tantalizing advantages over traditional rockets. Think of it like a fuel-efficient spacecraft shedding its dead weight as it flies. The finding were published in a recent study.
Instead of lugging massive fuel tanks, the autophage engine uses waste heat to melt its own plastic fuselage, feeding the molten goop into the combustion chamber like a diabolical fondue fountain. This not only reduces the onboard fuel, but also leaves less space debris cluttering up Earth’s orbit – a growing environmental concern.
The freed-up mass can be used to boost payload capacity, meaning more satellites, lunar rovers, or even astronauts hitching a ride to the stars. This innovation could open up exciting possibilities for smaller, cheaper launches, putting the UK at the forefront of the next era of space exploration.
However, the technology is still in its fiery infancy. Further testing and development are needed to tame the beast and ensure a controlled, efficient burn. But the potential rewards are vast, and if the UK can master this self-consuming marvel, it might just take a bigger bite than ever before out of the lucrative space industry pie.
Tiny nanosatellites, barely bigger than a cereal box, destined to revolutionize space research, these might finally get their own ride to the stars, thanks to a revolutionary “self-eating” rocket engine. Developed by University of Glasgow engineers, this Ouroboros-3 engine eats its own plastic body for fuel, potentially paving the way for smaller, cheaper launches dedicated to these miniature marvels.
This isn’t a sci-fi pipe dream. The autophage concept dates back to 1938, but practical obstacles stalled its journey. Now, Glasgow, with partners like Kingston University, has taken giant leaps:
These advancements are detailed in a paper presented at the international AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, Florida. The paper highlights the successful test-firing of the Ouroboros-3 autophage engine, generating 100 newtons of thrust in a series of controlled experiments at the MachLab facility at Machrihanish Airbase.
Utilizing high-density polyethylene plastic tubing as its autophagic fuel source, the Ouroboros-3 burns this material alongside the rocket’s primary propellants—a combination of gaseous oxygen and liquid propane. Test results indicate that the Ouroboros-3 can maintain a stable burn, a critical requirement for any rocket engine, with the plastic fuselage contributing up to one-fifth of the total propellant used.
Researchers of the study indicated furthermore, the tests demonstrate the controllability of the rocket’s burn, showcasing its ability to be throttled, restarted, and pulsed in an on/off pattern. These capabilities are pivotal for future autophage rockets, providing control over their ascent from the launchpad into orbit.
Professor Patrick Harkness, from the University of Glasgow, James Watt School of Engineering, who took the lead for the development of the Ourouboros-3 autophage engine says “These results are a foundational step on the way to developing a fully-functional autophage rocket engine. Those future rockets could have a wide range of applications which would help advance the UK’s ambitions to develop as a key player in the space industry.
“A conventional rocket’s structure makes up between five and 12 percent of its total mass. Our tests show that the Ouroborous-3 can burn a very similar amount of its own structural mass as propellant. If we could make at least some of that mass available for payload instead, it would be a compelling prospect for future rocket designs.”
