Electro-Catalytic Propulsion System for Ionic Propellants

Current propellant systems aboard NAVY ships and submarines are restricted to solid propellant Divert and Attitute Control Systems (DACS) or Throttleable DACS (TDACS) due to the high toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, and special handling requirements of liquid hydrazine. New ionic liquid propellants, such as hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN), are being qualified as viable hydrazine replacements. A propulsion system designed to maximize the electrochemical nature of the environmentally friendly, low vapor pressure, low toxicity, HAN propellant is advantageous, as it has the potential to significantly reduce the size and simplicity of the propulsion system. Liquid propellant-fueled TDACS can significantly improve thrust profile, flexibility and overall system efficiency. In support of this mission, Plasma Processes will develop the electrodes and a reliable electrical control system for the safe and responsive ignition of HAN-based, monopropellants. Innovative catalysts will be applied to the electrodes to enable faster response times with lower power requirements. The targeted insertion path is in TDACS for SM-3.