Non-Catalytic Ignition System for High-Performance Advanced Monopropellant Thrusters

Anon-catalytic pyrotechnic ignition system was developed for advanced green monopropellant systems operating with hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN)-based monopropellant AF-M315E. This technology will provide increased performance and new operating regimes for future NASA missions that employ green propulsion systems. The non-catalytic ignition system is a critical component for future high-thrust, in-space rocket engines that utilize AF-M315E, offering longer thruster life and faster startup than catalytic engines. This work demonstrated the pyrotechnic ignition system in proof-of-concept hot-fire tests showing AF-M315E combustion in a workhorse thruster in a laboratory environment.