Pressure-fed cycle (rocket)

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The pressure-fed cycle is a type of rocket engine power cycle. Propellant tanks are pressurized with a separate gas supply to force the fuel and oxidizer to the combustion chamber.

The advantage of this design is the elimination of complicated turbines, pumps and plumbing. The disadvantage is a lower chamber pressure and lower engine efficiency. The pressure is limited by the design and weight of the propellant tanks. Pressure-fed engines are the simplest and least expensive cryogenic design.

The Kestrel rocket engine is an example of a pressure-fed engine.

See also

• Gas-generator cycle
• Expander cycle
• Staged combustion cycle