Explosives and pyrotechnic propellants for use in long term deep space missions

Abstract

Explosives and pyrotechnic propellant materials which will withstand heat sterilization cycling at 125 C and ten year deep space aging under 10 to the minus 6th power torr and 66 C have been selected. The selection was accomplished through a detailed literature survey and an analytical evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the materials. The chemical components of the electroexplosive devices used in U.S. missiles and spacecraft were categorized into primary explosives, secondary explosives, and propellant ingredients. Kinetic data on such parameters as thermal decomposition and sublimation were obtained for these materials and used as a basis for the ten year life prediction. From these experimental data and some analytical calculations, a listing of candidate materials for deep space missions was made