Modular Impulsive Green Monopropellant Propulsion System (MIMPS-G): System Analysis and Preliminary Design

Propulsion systems for small-sized spacecraft are trending toward miniaturization and system modularity. Moreover, green propulsion is becoming the norm in space propulsion, particularly in CubeSats, due to the high performance and favorable physical properties of green propellants, as well as the global efforts toward greener environment. These were the driving forces behind designing a green monopropellant propulsion system to fill various gaps and overcome different challenges in small satellites industry that are represented mainly in the need for modularity, miniaturization, and development of high-performance green space propulsion. MIMPS-G500mN is a candidate high-thrust impulsive propulsion system that is designed to be capable of delivering 0.5 N thrust and offers theoretical total impulse Itot from 850 to 1350 N s per 1U and >3000 N s per 2U depending on the burnt monopropellant. Green monopropellant ASCENT (formerly AF-M315E) as well as HAN and ADN-based alternatives (i.e., HNP225 and LMP-103S) were proposed in the preliminary design and system analysis.