Green Bipropellant ASCENT Thrusters

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) seeks to enhance its dynamic space operations capabilities by developing innovative propulsion technologies. Small launch vehicles like Rocket Lab Electron and Firefly Alpha can efficiently deliver payloads of 300-1000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). However, these payloads, often ESPA or ESPA Grande payloads, lack the propulsion capability necessary for high-altitude orbit transfers. Achieving high-altitude orbits requires significant delta-V (change in velocity), which is typically 3000-4000 m/s or more. This demands highly energetic propellants and efficient propellant loading. Traditional bipropellants, while powerful, are often low-density, necessitating large fuel tanks and additional cooling technology to prevent vaporization. This limits propellant loading, hindering high-altitude transfer capabilities. The USAF-developed ASCENT propellant, when combined with Nitrous Oxide, N2O, offers a promising solution. This bipropellant combination delivers exceptional performance and propellant loading density, enabling the required delta-V for high-altitude transfers. Hyperion Aerospace proposes developing a 100 lbf ASCENT bipropellant thruster specifically designed for apogee kick stage applications. This thruster, utilizing ASCENT propellant and N2O, will provide high performance, exceptional propellant loading, and non-toxic propulsion. The ASCENT thruster, when integrated into ESPA-class spacecraft, offers unparalleled performance and efficiency. Its density-specific impulse surpasses that of other propellants, making it a valuable asset for various space missions.The ASCENT thruster will provide the USAF with a powerful and efficient tool for rapid, high-altitude space operations.