S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...

S.7 Solid Propellant Motor
- 48-
The solid propellant motor consists of a motor case, containing a propellant grain, a nozzle
and an igniter. The main characteristics and performance are as follows:
- Main performance
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
In general, solid propulsion motors can only deliver their total impulse potential in one
firing, because off-modulation is not possible. Therefore the usage of solid propulsion is
restricted to:
- Orbit change (e.g. apogee or perigee maneuver)
- Impart acceleration (e.g. liquid reorientation maneuvers, separation maneuvers)