Session
Flash Talk Session 2
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape where space is increasingly viewed as the fourth operational domain, tactically responsive launch capabilities and in-orbit maneuverability are critical. The ability to pre-load spacecraft and maintain them in a ready-to-launch state enables quicker response times, essential for strategic operations. Longterm storable, non/low-hazardous "green" propellants, such as ECAPS’ LMP-103S based on Ammonium DiNitramide (ADN), are key to this agility. These propellants offer improved performance, reduced environmental and operational risks, and facilitate faster spacecraft processing and storage. ECAPS High-Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP) technology has achieved extensive flight heritage with its 1N thruster, across 30+ missions, typically designed for 3- to-5-year mission lifetimes. To support longer missions, propellant compatibility and storability are crucial, enabling both safe pre-loading and long-duration storage. ECAPS recently completed an end-to-end study to validate the long-term storability of LMP-103S, which has remained stable for over 15 years, with no significant degradation. The test system included COTS flight hardware, such as titanium tanks and stainless/titanium valves, to mirror operational environments. This paper presents the results from this storability test and discusses the key benefits of low-toxic propellant storage, handling, and transportation. Additionally, it highlights experiences with spacecraft pre-fueling, including the logistical and operational considerations for handling and storing pre-loaded spacecraft prior to launch. Lastly, the paper outlines mission examples with lifetimes exceeding 9 years and still ongoing, showcasing the practical impact of these advancements on tactical rapid response capabilities.
Document Type
Event
ECAPS High-Performance Green Propulsion – Enabling Tactically Responsive Space Missions
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape where space is increasingly viewed as the fourth operational domain, tactically responsive launch capabilities and in-orbit maneuverability are critical. The ability to pre-load spacecraft and maintain them in a ready-to-launch state enables quicker response times, essential for strategic operations. Longterm storable, non/low-hazardous "green" propellants, such as ECAPS’ LMP-103S based on Ammonium DiNitramide (ADN), are key to this agility. These propellants offer improved performance, reduced environmental and operational risks, and facilitate faster spacecraft processing and storage. ECAPS High-Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP) technology has achieved extensive flight heritage with its 1N thruster, across 30+ missions, typically designed for 3- to-5-year mission lifetimes. To support longer missions, propellant compatibility and storability are crucial, enabling both safe pre-loading and long-duration storage. ECAPS recently completed an end-to-end study to validate the long-term storability of LMP-103S, which has remained stable for over 15 years, with no significant degradation. The test system included COTS flight hardware, such as titanium tanks and stainless/titanium valves, to mirror operational environments. This paper presents the results from this storability test and discusses the key benefits of low-toxic propellant storage, handling, and transportation. Additionally, it highlights experiences with spacecraft pre-fueling, including the logistical and operational considerations for handling and storing pre-loaded spacecraft prior to launch. Lastly, the paper outlines mission examples with lifetimes exceeding 9 years and still ongoing, showcasing the practical impact of these advancements on tactical rapid response capabilities.
