NOFBX?: A NEW NON-TOXIC, 'GREEN' PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE AND LOW COST

摘要

NOFBX? is a new monopropellant technology that offers important benefits over current storable liquid propulsion technology for spacecraft reaction control and maneuvering systems. Among the key characteristics of the propellant are specific impulse (Isp) performance far superior to monopropellant hydrazine – even comparable to NTO/MMH – non-toxic constituents, and environmentally benign effluents. Evolving NOFBX? thrusters have been demonstrated in the 0.4 N to 445 N thrust range, with measured Isp performance as high as ～325 seconds. Innovative Space Propulsion Systems (ISPS), working under a cooperative agreement with NASA's International Space Station (ISS) US National Laboratory program, is planning to demonstrate the 445 N NOFBX? engine on the ISS, targeting a launch in late 2013. This paper will describe NOFBX? propulsion technology characteristics and applications, document advancement of NOFBX? technology readiness level (TRL) and report on the progress of the ISS flight demonstration.