Development and Optimization of a Catalytic Thruster for Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition

Authors

  • Fernanda Francisca Maia Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa Espacial, Cachoeira Paulista/SP
  • Leonardo Henrique Gouvea Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa Espacial, Cachoeira Paulista/SP
  • Luis Gustavo Ferroni Pereira Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa Espacial, Cachoeira Paulista/SP
  • Ricardo Vieira Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa Espacial, Cachoeira Paulista/SP
  • Fernando de Souza Costa Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa Espacial, Cachoeira Paulista/SP

Keywords:

Satellite propulsion, Hydrogen peroxide, Mixed oxide catalyst, Catalytic bed optimization.

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide is a non toxic, low cost, green monopropellant with a significant potential for applications in satellite microthrusters. It presents a density-specific impulse, similar to hydrazine. A new bulk mixed oxide catalyst for decomposition of hydrogen peroxide has been developed and tested in a 2 N thruster with modular parts, allowing the use of catalytic beds with different diameters and lengths. A method of experiment design with a star configuration was implemented to optimize the catalytic bed geometry, in order to yield complete peroxide decomposition, reduce thruster size and volume and provide maximum thrust.

Author Biography

Fernando de Souza Costa, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa Espacial, Cachoeira Paulista/SP

Laboratório Associado de Combustão e Propulsão

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Published

2014-02-18

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2014): JAN./MAR.2014

Section

Original Papers

License

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