GREEN MONOPROPELLANT THRUSTERS
Busek develops leading edge propulsion to enable a new class of spacecraft missions.
System Power: 20W
Input Voltage: 6-16 VDC (nominal 12V)
Interface: RS-422
Propellant: ASCENT
Thrust: 500 mN nominal
Specific Impulse: 220-225s
Total Impulse: 565 N-s
Busek's Green Monopropellant Thrusters feature a patented monolithic catalyst that is efficient yet extremely robust. Available thruster sizes range from 0.1N to 22N class, with demonstrated vacuum specific impulse >230 sec. The default green monopropellant of choice is ASCENT propellant, which has 10% higher specific impulse and 45% greater density than hydrazine, a highly toxic monopropellant. Replacing hydrazine with ASCENT translates to a smaller wet mass and volume for a given mission. The stable propellant reduces transportation costs and ground handling time.
Busek’s 0.5N BGT-X5 system features a novel post-launch pressurization system, allowing for unpressurized integration and launch. Rechargeable pressurization on-orbit allows for consistent performance versus traditional blow-down systems.
Why use green monopropellant?
The system uses a highly stable, ‘green’ propellant (ASCENT), which offers 10% higher specific impulse, and 45% greater density than hydrazine, a highly toxic monopropellant. Replacing hydrazine with ASCENT translates to a smaller, lighter propellant tank and lower wet mass for a given mission. The stable propellant reduces transportation costs and ground handling time, and allows for simplified storage given its lower vapor pressure. Based on system performance, operational responsiveness, size, and safety features, the BGT-X5 is the clear choice among small monopropellant solutions.