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Active TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 8)
The Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) project is a small spacecraft test flight demonstration which will use a low toxicity or “green” rocket propellant for a propulsion system which can operate in both chemical and electrospray modes for high impulse and high efficiency space translation maneuvers.
NASA is looking to expand deeper into space to support future Agency objectives. Major drivers for these activities include researching and developing new and advanced propulsion systems and capabilities. Green propellants like the Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) propellant, developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, (AFRL) have great potential for expanding the Agency’s in-space transportation prowess due to its relatively safe and easy ground handling and storage as well as it's specific impulse density performance versus traditional in-space rocket propellants (e.g., hydrazines). The GPDM project is focused on performing initial dual-mode ground tests and subsequently packaging the dual-mode system into a flight unit on a small spacecraft to investigate the feasibility of green dual-mode propulsion, maximizing the benefits of chemical propulsion for high thrust maneuvers, while also taking advantage of ASCENT’s ionic liquid properties as an electrospray propellant. The dual-mode system has the advantage of weight reduction since the same propellant tank and feed system is used for both modes of propulsion.
GPDM is a NASA-led collaborative effort between NASA workforce (mostly early career), university, and industry (small businesses) partnerships to stimulate workforce development and collaboration across the aerospace community. GPDM is a high-risk acceptance, high-technology impact project per NPR 7120.8 and thus has flexibility in the tailoring of its milestone and review structures across the project life cycle.
Ultimately, the GPDM project- is seeking to increase the TRL for a propulsion system and propellant that provides capability for in-space translation and attitude maneuverability for small spacecraft using a single propellant and feed system.
GPDM raises the TRL level of the overall dual mode system from TRL 5-6 to 7-8. Once reaching the final TRL level, the dual mode system will be ready for customers such as AFRL and commercial companies.
End-users have expressed interest in rapidly deployable, quick response propulsion systems for small spacecraft as well as use of SmallSat green propulsion systems for orbital rendezvous activities such as on-orbit debris removal. Specific risk reductions and mission demonstration activities which aid in these potential end-user-desired capabilities include performing low thrust trajectory maneuvers and precision attitude control. These activities are planned for GPDM’s primary and secondary mission objectives once the small satellite is deployed and after subsequent propulsion system commissioning has been executed early in the mission.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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