• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.47-59
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• 2022

Liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen rocket engines with highest specific impulse have been developed since the 1950s and used until now to maximize the capability of space launch vehicles. Domestic liquid hydrogen infrastructures for the production, transportation and distribution are being expanded at world-class level with the rise of hydrogen economy, which is a great opportunity for the performance enhancement for indigenous space launch vehicles. In this paper, feasibility of applying liquid hydrogen as a propellant is investigated in various aspects. The status of domestic liquid hydrogen infrastructure, the technologies required for liquid hydrogen engines, and operational aspects for safe handling of hydrogen are reviewed. In addition, test facilities for developing hydrogen engines are introduced briefly.