Kjell Anflo

ADN-BASED PROPULSION FOR SPACECRAFT -KEY REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION

This paper describes the ongoing work to develop a storable liquid monopropellant for spacecraft propulsion based on Ammoniumdinitramide, ADN, and related rocket engine technologies. The primary objective of this effort is to reduce operational hazards and improve performance as compared with monopropellant hydrazine. Previous papers 1,2,3,4 have described the basic properties of ADN, possible propellant compositions and experimental results from test firings of small rocket engines.

Introduction of a high-performance ADN based monopropellant thruster on the Myriade propulsion subsystem

The Myriade small satellite platform has been in use for various science and Earth observation missions in the 200-400kg class for years. It is equipped with a hydrazine monopropellant propulsion subsystem. For such small satellites, the implications on system design and launch preparations of using hydrazine are significant. One possible alternative is the use of a high-performance “green” propulsion (HPGP™) thruster together with the storable monopropellant LMP-103S for the propulsion subsystem. This paper looks at the propulsion design impact, consequences for the system interfaces and design, and for the launch preparation phase. A reference design for a “green” Myriade propulsion subsystem is discussed and compared to the original hydrazine design.