Review of State-of-the-Art Green Monopropellants: For Propulsion Systems Analysts and Designers

Current research trends have advanced the use of “green propellants” on a wide scale for spacecraft in various space missions; mainly environmental sustainability and safety concerns. Small satellites, particularly micro nanosatellites, evolved from passive planetary-orbiting to being able perform active orbital operations that may require high-thrust impulsive capabilities. Thus, onboard primary auxiliary propulsion systems capable performing such are required. Novelty design calls specific attention miniaturization, which can be achieved, along above-mentioned transfer capabilities, by utilizing green monopropellants due their relative high performance together with simplicity, better storability when compared gaseous bi-propellants, especially miniaturized systems. Owing ongoing rapid activities green-propulsion field, it was necessary extensively study collect data properties would further assist analysts designers development liquid This review traces history origins after intensive physicochemical propellants possible classify three main classes: Energetic Ionic Liquids (EILs), Liquid NOx Monopropellants, Hydrogen Peroxide Aqueous Solutions (HPAS). Further, tabulated comparisons will provide substantial assistance using analysis tools—such as: Rocket Propulsion Analysis (RPA) NASA CEA—for engineers scientists dealing chemical design. Some applications were discussed through different configurations multi-mode, dual mode, combined chemical–electric propulsion. Although in-space demonstrated EILs (i.e., AF-M315E LMP-103S) widely proposed utilized many applications, investigation transpired fuel blends possess highest performance, while HPAS yield lowest even hydrazine.