Mon, Sep 21, 2015
Marks First U.S. Tests Of 22N Thrusters Using ECAPS High Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP) Technology
The first U.S. test of a 22 Newton (N) thruster using a high-performance green propulsion system powered by a safe, low-toxicity rocket fuel, designated LMP-103S, provided by the Swedish firm, ECAPS, has been successfully completed by Orbital ATK.
The test was part of a series at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and included both a 5N thruster and, for the first time in the United States, a 22N thruster, both of which performed well across all test parameters. Thrusters of this size are commonly used for maneuvering satellites while in Earth orbit.
“Orbital ATK and our partner ECAPS are dedicated to helping NASA achieve its goal of eliminating the challenges and risks associated with manufacturing, transporting and handling the current generation of high-performance propellants,” said Cary Ralston, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Missile Products division of the Defense Systems Group. “These successful tests move us another step toward providing safer, higher performance thrusters without the need for expensive and time-consuming protective processes and equipment.”
LMP-103S is a low-toxicity, environmentally-benign propellant, providing benefits over conventional hydrazine, which include improved performance, enhanced volumetric efficiency, reduction of propellant handling hazards and safer launch operations. Orbital ATK, ECAPS, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA Glenn Research Center are testing the green propulsion system to demonstrate the performance and safety features of the system, and collecting data for evaluation of green propulsion options for spacecraft systems.
More News
DETRESFA (Distress Phrase) The code word used to designate an emergency phase wherein there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and i>[...]
Aero Linx: The International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA) The International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA) is comprised of Mission organizations, flight sch>[...]
Also: EP Systems' Battery, Boeing SAF, Repeat TBM 960 Order, Japan Coast Guard H225 Buy Despite nearly 100 complaints totaling millions of dollars of potential fraud, combined with>[...]
Also: Viasat-uAvionix, UL94 Fuel Investigation, AF Materiel Command, NTSB Safety Alert Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next gli>[...]
Also: Moya Delivery Drone, USMC Drone Pilot, Inversion RAY Reentry Vehicle, RapidFlight UAVOS has recently achieved a significant milestone in public safety and emergency services >[...]