Green Propulsion

Green propulsion using non-toxic propellants as fuel and oxidizer has gained significant attention on the future development of the rocket engine for launch vehicles and satellites. Hydrazine (N2H4), monomethyl hydrazine (MMH), and nitrogen tetroxide (NTO) are common fuels used in rocket engines. However, these fuels are highly toxic and chemically unstable. Extra care and protection are always required for working with these toxic fuels. Recently, efforts and desire of using green propellants in rocket propulsion have gradually increased. Nitrous oxide (N2O), known as laughing gas and commonly used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic effects, is a powerful oxidizer in rocket propellants, and can also be used as a monopropellant (through catalytic decomposition) or bipropellant for propulsion and power applications. The advantages of N2O being non-toxic, stable, and easy handle and store make it compatible with common structural materials and highly suitable for green propellant development.