US Patent 11480136 Monopropellant continuous detonation engines

Embodiments are directed toward a monopropellant continuous detonation engine. In some embodiments, the continuous detonation engine includes an engine body, a monopropellant feed assembly, and a detonation initiator. The engine body defines a detonation wave channel. The monopropellant feed assembly delivers monopropellant from a monopropellant storage tank into the detonation wave channel. The detonation initiator initiates continuous detonation of the monopropellant in the detonation wave channel, preferably without a catalyst to promote decomposition of the monopropellant. Accordingly, specific impulse is increased compared to constant-pressure reaction thrusters that catalytically decompose the monopropellant with deflagration combustion.