Rubicon Delivers Dual-Mode Propulsion System for NASA’s Groundbreaking Green Mission

In a significant advancement for space propulsion technology, Rubicon Space Systems has delivered a dual-mode propulsion system for NASA’s Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) mission, scheduled for launch in October. This mission aims to demonstrate the integration of chemical and electric propulsion systems using the Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) propellant, developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The successful deployment of this system marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of more efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion solutions for space exploration.

Overview of the Mission

The GPDM mission is designed to showcase a multimode propulsion system that combines chemical and electric thrusters, utilizing the ASCENT propellant. This innovative approach is expected to achieve a 50% increase in specific impulse density compared to traditional hydrazine-based systems, offering enhanced performance and safer handling. The mission will also serve as a critical test for ASCENT, assessing its viability for future space missions. The propulsion module, named Sprite, developed by Rubicon, will be paired with electrospray thrusters from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), sharing the same propellant tank, control valves, and feed system.

Technological Innovation: The Dual-Mode Propulsion System

The dual-mode propulsion system represents a significant technological innovation by integrating chemical and electric propulsion using a single propellant. This integration aims to enhance spacecraft performance and reduce the complexity of propulsion systems. The ASCENT propellant, developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, is central to this system, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional hydrazine. The combination of Rubicon’s ASCENT chemical propulsion module, Sprite, with MIT’s electrospray thrusters, is expected to provide a versatile and high-performance propulsion solution for future space missions.

ASCENT Propellant and Its Advantages

ASCENT (Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic) is a green monopropellant developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) as a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional hydrazine. It offers a 50% increase in specific impulse density over hydrazine, enhancing spacecraft performance and reducing propellant handling hazards.

Unlike hydrazine, ASCENT is an ionic liquid, which allows it to be used in both chemical and electric propulsion systems. This versatility enables the development of dual-mode propulsion systems that can operate using the same propellant, streamlining spacecraft design and reducing complexity.

Additionally, ASCENT’s lower toxicity compared to hydrazine simplifies ground operations and reduces the need for extensive protective measures during handling and storage.

Rubicon’s Role and Achievements

Rubicon Space Systems, a division of Plasma Processes LLC, has been instrumental in advancing propulsion technologies for small satellites. The company has developed the Sprite Propulsion System, a self-contained, plug-and-play module designed for delta-V, momentum management, collision-avoidance, and de-orbiting of CubeSats and small satellites.

The Sprite system utilizes the ASCENT propellant, providing a high-performance and low-toxicity alternative to traditional monopropellants. It features a flight-qualified 0.1N thruster with space heritage, a fully integrated flight controller, and heritage components such as valves demonstrated on previous missions. The system’s fully additively manufactured structure contributes to its lightweight and compact design, making it ideal for small satellite applications.

By integrating ASCENT into the Sprite propulsion system, Rubicon has enhanced the capabilities of small satellites, enabling more efficient and safer propulsion solutions for a variety of missions.

Impact on Future Space Missions

The integration of ASCENT into dual-mode propulsion systems like Rubicon’s Sprite module represents a significant advancement in space propulsion technology. The combination of chemical and electric propulsion using a single, high-performance, and low-toxicity propellant streamlines spacecraft design and reduces mission complexity. This innovation is expected to lead to more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly propulsion solutions for future space missions.

The successful demonstration of this technology in NASA’s Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) mission will provide valuable data and insights, potentially influencing the design and operation of future spacecraft. The ability to utilize a single propellant for both chemical and electric propulsion systems could revolutionize mission planning and execution, offering greater flexibility and performance for a wide range of space applications.

In summary, the development and integration of ASCENT-based dual-mode propulsion systems mark a significant milestone in the evolution of space propulsion technologies, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient space exploration in the future.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Integrating chemical and electric propulsion systems using a single propellant, such as ASCENT, presents several challenges. The development of dual-mode propulsion systems requires precise engineering to ensure compatibility between the different propulsion mechanisms and to maintain system reliability under the harsh conditions of space. Additionally, the scaling of such systems for various mission profiles and payload sizes necessitates extensive testing and validation to meet the stringent requirements of space missions.

Looking ahead, the successful demonstration of dual-mode propulsion systems like Rubicon’s Sprite module in NASA’s Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) mission could revolutionize spacecraft design and mission planning. The ability to utilize a single, high-performance, and low-toxicity propellant for both chemical and electric propulsion opens new possibilities for more efficient and cost-effective space exploration. This innovation could lead to the development of more versatile and sustainable propulsion solutions, reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional propulsion systems.

Conclusion

The integration of ASCENT-based dual-mode propulsion systems represents a significant advancement in space propulsion technology. By combining chemical and electric propulsion using a single, high-performance, and environmentally friendly propellant, this innovation paves the way for more efficient and sustainable space missions. The successful demonstration of such systems in missions like NASA’s GPDM will provide valuable insights and set the stage for future advancements in space exploration.