Preliminary design and study of 5N HTP monopropellant thruster for small satellites

In space propulsion hydrogen peroxide is a “green” solution that overcomes the problem of toxicity related to hydrazine-based systems. This work aims at designing, developing, and characterizing a monopropellant thruster for small satellites, based on hydrogen peroxide. The engine is intended for use on a 12-Unit CubeSat in Low Earth Orbit. Based on mission requirements a catalytic chamber and a nozzle were designed and a ground-test breadboard was manufactured. The prototype was assembled and tested on ground and measured engine performances are discussed highlighting their dependence on the nozzle throat diameter, that primarily affects the chamber pressure. Finally, effects of the mass flow rate on the system reactivity and steady state conditions are also investigated.