Project ATLAS Hybrid Rocket Engine; Is Space Travel Worth the Environmental Costs?

As space travel increases advancement and utilization, the space industry’s reliance on heavily polluting rocket propulsion technologies poses a threat to the ozone layer, which may compromise human health and ecological stability. My technical research paper addresses the pollutant-heavy rocket propulsion technology aspect of this problem by researching optimization of hybrid rocket motor technology, a greener alternative to industry standard fuel. My STS research paper addresses the ethical implications of choosing to advance space travel in light of its environmental impact.
Hybrid rocket motor technology is not yet viable for large scale launch vehicles, thus making the benefit of their less environmentally damaging emissions ineffective for space travel. My technical thesis investigates the shortcomings of hybrid rocket motors in comparison with the performance characteristics of their solid-propellant and liquid-propellant counterparts and seeks to improve the components used within the motor in order to increase efficiency, consistency, and predictability. Our group seeks to advance this technology through the design and construction of a laboratory-scale hybrid rocket motor in hopes of advancing the technology’s viability. Our group will utilize 3D printed components, such as oxidizer injectors and solid fuel grains, to experiment towards optimal designs. Results to be determined.
Space travel, while having benefits, has environmental consequences that affect all living things on Earth. My STS research focused on determining if the environmental consequences of space travel are worth its current and prospective benefits. My research is approached from a multi-framework perspective, taking in considerations from the ethical viewpoints of utilitarianism, deontology, social construction of technology, and technological momentum. The research began by discussing the environmental problems that space travel has the potential to have and was followed by evidence to support the argument that the benefits of space travel are worth the current negative effects.
For my STS research paper, I analyzed documents from reputable government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations to understand the environmental effects of space travel. To analyze some benefits of space travel I utilized the publications of other government agencies such as the National Aeronautical and Space Administration. Additionally, I utilized multiple research papers published in peer-reviewed journals to gain perspective into arguments for and against space travel, as well as research papers that detail the benefits of space travel technology. The most important findings as a result of my research were that humans are already very reliant on space travel technology, notably satellites, and that the benefits to humanity that space travel has the potential to administer through spinoff technology, planetary defense, and even colonization of other planets are extremely valuable.
Awaiting findings of technical research paper, will update thesis portfolio once concluded.
The overarching problem that is addressed by both my technical paper and my STS research paper is of very large scope in terms of people affected, as it implicates current and future generations of humanity. The work completed for my technical research paper may play an important role in laying the groundwork and procedures for future student-led projects relating to hybrid rocket technology. This work may play an eventual role in advancing hybrid rocket technology and bringing it to a point of viability for full-scale space travel. This project was subject to the typical limitations of an undergraduate capstone, including a limited financial budget and a fixed timeline within our academic calendar.
My STS research paper is important for engineers and organizations who are interested in investing in the development of space travel technology and the ethical reasoning behind their pursuit. Future researchers should look deeper into environmentally sustainable space travel technology and fuels, which would make the tradeoffs of space travel and environmental damage negligible. Though my STS paper included analysis through the lenses of multiple theoretical frameworks, my STS research question was utilitarian in nature and thus my results may have been skewed towards that framework.
I would like to thank my STS 4500 professor, Professor Caitlyn Wiley, for her patience and guidance throughout my process of researching and writing my undergraduate thesis. I thank her for her willingness to challenge my ideas and for pushing me to think critically about ethical thinking. I would also like to thank members of my STS 4500 class for giving input into my ideas and for providing numerous rounds of peer-reviews. Lastly, I would like to thank the members of my Hybrid Rocket Motor Capstone team, “Project Atlas”.

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Technical Advisor: Dr. Chloe Dedic
STS Advisor: Dr. Caitlin Wylie
Technical Team Members: Harshit Dhayal, Ved Thakare, Mannix Green,
Aiden Winfield, Sean Dunn, Dominic Profaci, Thomas DeCanio,
Joshua Bird, Harrison Bobbitt, Taka Suzuki, Darsh Devkar,
Jack Spinnanger, IA Tisinger, Silas Agnew, Gavin Miller,
Alexander Gorodchanin, Adis Gorenca, James Dalzell