Industrial benefits of applying HNF in monopropellant satellite propulsion

The benefits of advanced HNF monopropellants are discussed. The areas of consideration comprise the operational and performance aspects, the general handling, the benign less-toxic characteristics and the envisaged reduction of manufacturing, test and operational costs. The recently proposed developments and applications of advanced monopropellants for satellite propulsion are reviewed. Besides HNF monopropellants, others will be considered like Ammonium Dinitramide (ADN) and Hydroxyl Ammonium Nitrate (HAN). The evaluation of the parameter matrix justifies the selection of HNF as promising alternative as a less-toxic monopropellant for satellite propulsion. The selection of HNF is mainly based on the fact that HNF offers a higher potential performance growth than other monopropellants. The specific propulsion issues with the application of HNF are presented on both component and system level. The thruster has to cope, among other aspects, with catalyst compatibility and long-term stability. The system components like the feed lines, tanks and others need verification. The GSE however might be simplified significantly. In summary the application of HNF offers a high potential of operational advantages and will justify the required efforts for the introduction and the development of HNF in satellite propulsion.