Performance evaluation of the hypergolic green propellants based on the HTP for a future next-generation space crafts

Abstract

New, alternative candidates of hypergolic propellants to be used on the next-generation satellite platforms for the ACS systems or for the orbit transfers has been proposed. The main purpose of this study is to introduce the benefits through evaluation of performance, storability and handling issues of new green hypergolic propellant systems based on highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide, that is 98% of concentration, as the oxidizer. The novel green propellant combinations for the spacecrafts mainly base on such substances as ADN and HAN, and are LMP-103S and AF-M315E, respectively. Nonetheless, highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, can be used widely, not only in monopropellant, but also in bipropellant thrusters, especially in hypergolic systems. Highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide in contact with some organic fuel mixtures can be self-ignitable, with reliable ignition that results in IDT on the level of several milliseconds. However, this is very dependent on the activity of additives. On the other hand, performance of such propellant compositions (liquid organic substance plus additive) can be similar to the toxic ones or even higher, in sense of density impulse. Therefore, the propulsion units based on 98% hydrogen peroxide can be successfully used for many various missions of the near-future space crafts. Moreover, the utilization of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide in the space sector can significantly decrease the total cost of satellite missions, due to its low toxicity, high power density, high stability, long duration storability and relatively cheaper safety procedures.