NASA finishes testing non-toxic spacecraft fuel, Green propellant mission nears completion

NASA is one step closer to anuncing a n-toxic 'green' fuel for craft. In just over a year since it's launch, US ncy's Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) has validated a new of propellant for craft of all sizes which can replace toxic hydrazine in rocket thrusters. 

GPIM scientists tested a never-before-used propellant on X's Falcon Heavy rocket and have established that propulsion system works as intended, thus presenting a viable 'green' alternative for future endeavors. demo rocket was launched in June 2019 and successfully fired its five thrusters within a week of being in ; researchers observed craft over following months to te performance of a low-toxic fuel.

Re: NASA Spots Strange 'dent' In Earth's Magnetic Field That Could Dam Low Orbit Satellites

vanced craft Energetic n-Toxic (ASCENT) is mopropellant i.e it can burn on its own without a separate oxidizing nt. Earlier kwn as AF-M315E, propellant was developed by US Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

“This is first time in 50 years NASA tested a new, high-performing mopropellant in ,” said Tim Smith, GPIM mission manr. “It has potential to supplement or even replace hydrazine, which craft have used since 1960s,” he ded.  

Based at Marshall Flight Center in Huntsville (Alabama), NASA’s Techlogy Demonstration Mission (TDM) program mans mission. ASCENT will be next used in NASA's Lunar Flashlight, a small craft that will explore deep lunar craters for presence of water.

Re: NASA To Laser Check Moon's Darkest Craters For Signs Of Water Before Artemis Mission

'Green' propellant

acclaimed 'green' fuel is in fact pink in colour and considered a cleaner alternative for its reduced toxicity compared to hydrazine, which requires protective gear and careful propellant loing procedures. ASCENT is safer to handle and lo, requiring minimum personal protective equipment.

In dition to being easier and less expensive to handle on Earth, new propellant will give craft an edge on mission while allowing m to travel furr and operate longer. 

(A researcher examines  ASCENT mopropellant during test flight preparations. Credits: Aerojet Rocketdyne/NASA)

However, GPIM team h to develop compatible hardware and systems to test liquid. While in orbit, scientists tested propellant and propulsion system -- including thrusters, tanks, and valves -- in planned series of orbital maneuvers. mission ted a 50% increase in fuel mile for craft compared to hydrazine.

With this, Green Propellant Infusion Mission nears mission completion and craft has initiated deorbiting. In approximately seven burns, craft will deplete propellant tank and burn up in atmosphere upon it anticipated re-entry in late September 2020.

Re: NASA Locates Helium Structures In Solar Atmosphere, Gars Full Global Map

Re: NASA-X To Launch First Operational Flight Of Crew Dragon In October