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Domestic Non-Toxic Propulsion (DNtP)

Active TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 5)

Description

Spacecraft propulsion and power for many decades has relied on Hydrazine monopropellant technology for auxiliary power units, orbital circularization, orbit raising & lowering, and attitude control.  It has been a mainstay for propulsion engineers due to it simplicity and dependability.  However, Hydrazine is toxic, has a wide flammability range and is corrosive.  Within the past few years, less toxic (green) monopropellant alternatives have surfaced that present better performance and handling characteristics than Hydrazine. Before these green propellants are widely accepted for general use, it is necessary to understand the technology well enough to proceed with a high level of confidence.

NASA and the Department of Defense have made funding commitments over the past two decades in the area of green monopropellant technologies to accelerate testing of new propulsion designs, and ultimately qualifying them for use in flight applications.  As a part of that continued commitment, the Domestic Non-Toxic Propulsion (DNtP) Project, managed under the Space Technology Mission Directorate, Go Domain, will be focused on qualifying the 5N and 22N sized thrusters.

Benefits

There are industry partners interested in building larger spacecraft using non-toxic thrusters for both delta-velocity and attitude control.  The future execution of a BAA to choose a spacecraft partner will enable an infusion path that could morph into future purchases of the thrusters by other users.

Details

Technology areaPropulsion Systems > Chemical Space Propulsion
ProgramTechnology Demonstration Missions (TDM)
Lead organizationMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Start date2026-01-01
End date2029-09-30

Project contacts

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How to get involved

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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