Aviation Week & Space Technology

Casper, Wyo.-based Wickman Spacecraft & Propulsion Co. has successfully test-fired rocket and jet engines that use carbon dioxide as an oxidizer. The powerplants are aimed at future Mars exploration missions, as Mars' atmosphere is 95% carbon dioxide. The engines' magnesium powder fuel is abundant on Earth and believed to exist in the soil of Mars, according to company President John Wickman. For the rocket engine, which develops about 40 lb. of thrust, carbon dioxide on Mars would have to be condensed into a tank before use. The company also has built a smaller rocket with 1-lb. thrust that has been test-fired in pulses to simulate use as a thruster. The turbojet engine produced 1.9 newtons of thrust and was operated for a few seconds at a time. Low-pressure combustion tests also were performed to simulate the environment of Mars. Additional, long-duration turbojet runs still are needed to evaluate how turbojet engine components withstand the severe Martian environment. The jet engine is planned to power a small flying rover for exploration, referred to as the Mars Airplane.