Highlights of Solid Rocket Propulsion History

Abstract

The history of solid rocket propulsion covers a span of more than 2000 years, starting in China with the accidental discovery of black powder (or something similar) around 220 BC ca and continuing up to the current days. It is an interesting route that the idea of black (or gun) powder traveled: moving from East China to Korea, India, Arab countries, Europe, and finally the USA. Extensive Mongolian raids and land as well as sea trade routes were the main avenues, for this slow but continuous move westward then covering the whole planet. Fireworks and military operations were the main drivers, without forgetting the first reckless attempt of space travel by a Chinese astronaut in 1500 ca. However, black powder should only be seen as a precursor of solid propellants. In spite of the previous large-scale activity, the transition toward modern solid rocket propulsion actually occurred at two quite distinct focal points in space and time: Caltech, Pasadena, CA, during the period 1936–1944 and the Institute of Chemical Physics, Moscow, Russia, during the period 1960–1980. In both cases, the interplay of great minds and the assignment of precise objectives triggered tremendous scientific progress, but without a successive well-organized strategic planning, this spark would have gone in vain. Since the US side of the story is quite well known, chapters “ Survey of Solid Rocket Propulsion in Russia ” to “ The Russian Missile Saga: Personal Notes from a Direct Participant ” are dedicated to an historical survey mainly of the Russian developments in solid rocket propulsion. This particular contribution is included to put things in the right overall perspective.