Commercial Near-Earth Space Launcher: Understanding System Integration

Industrial decarbonization via hydrogen: A critical and systematic review of developments, socio-technical systems and policy options

“…Although it has been replaced in large part by other fuels, such as RP-1, which are easier to handle and do not require cryogenic storage, it remains in use in upcoming rocket launch systems, such as European Space Agency's Ariane 6 and NASA's Space Launch System [371]. The development of commercial Near-Earth launch industry is expected to drive an increased demand for rocket fuel, and the choice of propellant and propulsion system can have deep implications on mission design and possible travel distances [372,373]. In addition, as the Near-Earth orbit industry develops, spacecraft manufacturing will require advanced materials capable of coping with hydrogen embrittlement, as these R&D breakthroughs will both support and be based on technology development for other industrial processes in the hydrogen economy [374].…”