Reduced Toxicity, High Performance Monopropellant at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory

Current programs are aiming to develop reduced toxicity monopropellant formulations to replace spacecraft hydrazine monopropellant. The Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL's) approach to replacing hydrazine is the synthesis and development of energetic compounds/formulations with substantially less vapor toxicity and superior performance (specific impulse and density). Characterization and testing of these high energy density materials is an essential part of the screening process for viable advanced propellants. Hazardous handling characteristics, undesirable physical properties or unacceptable sensitivity behaviors must also be identified and/or modified to further development by a potential user. AFRL has successfully identified a novel monopropellant (designated AF-M315E) that shows great promise as an avenue toward replacement of hydrazine monopropellant for spacecraft propulsion. Hazard and safety/sensitivity, stability, and toxicity studies have been conducted on the monopropellant and will be described. The results from AF-M315E indicate that a >50% improvement in propulsion system performance over hydrazine is achievable while simultaneously providing a safer environment for the general public, ground personnel, crews and flight participants.
For presentation at the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety Conference (4th) to be held in Huntsville, AL on 19-21 May 2010.