Brain Murmurs - Spacecraft Propulsion

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Astronautics

Astronautical Engineering CFD Physics Energy Conversion Mathematics Spacecraft Spacecraft Propulsion

Daniel's primary area of focus as an undergraduate was spacecraft propulsion, continuing on as a graduate in the disciplines of Propulsion and Energy Conversion.

Education

Chemical rocket engines
Electrical propulsion
Nuclear thermal propulsion (e.g., NERVA)
Nuclear pulse propulsion (e.g., Project Orion)
Nuclear fusion propulsion (e.g., Bussard Ramjets)
Anti-matter propulsion
Solar sails
Relativistic rocketry

Engine Research

In addition to considerable study in the topic he constructed and extensively tested a methane/oxygen rocket engine during his senior year in college with his lab partner Jason Andrews (now the president of Andrews Space). This engine was used to conduct fuel-rich methane-oxygen propulsion research in conjunction with the department's Mars in situ propellant production research

Fusion Propulsion Research

In addition, Daniel conducted a detailed analysis of nuclear thermal propulsion using impure working fluids. He also conducted a constant thrust trajectory analysis with Ralph Ewig of a Jupiter mission based on Professor Alan Hoffman's Field Reverse Configuration (FRC) fusion reactor design. Pasco and Ewig co-authored an AIAA paper on the results of their study.

Related Experience

Lockheed Martin Astronautics