Enhancing Propulsion Safety with Dynergy

Executive Summary
SpaceX's rapid iterative testing has driven unprecedented progress in reusable rocketry,
but 2025 has seen a series of propulsion-related anomalies in Starship flights and ground
tests, including harmonic-induced leaks, COPV ruptures, and multi-engine failures leading
to loss of vehicle. These events reveal a structural vulnerability: cascading failures where
one anomaly (e.g., vibration or leak) triggers unchecked propagation without sufficient
insulation leaps (τ buffers).
Using interdisciplinary translation from neurobiology (neuronal refractory period) and
systems engineering (circuit breakers), this report proposes an architectural "refractory
mechanism" for Raptor propulsion: a non-optional, mandatory reset/interlock phase after
detected off-nominal conditions. This enforces a REPAIR state, inhibiting further "firing"
until integrity is recomputed-mirroring how neurons prevent epileptic-like seizures and
circuit breakers halt overload cascades.
Implementation could increase Integration Efficiency (η) and Time-to-Failure (τ) in highrisk regimes, reducing RUD probability without sacrificing thrust density.