Propulsion Systems
The Space Propulsion Unit is active in research, development and manufacturing of monopropellant propulsion systems, mainly providing services to ECAPS in full, a subsidiary to SSC. The patented Green Propulsion technology based upon ADN is marketed by ECAPS and was supplied to the PRISMA satellite propulsion system.
The unit was also responsible for the SMART-1 chemical propulsion system.
The picture shows the HPGP (High Performance Green Propulsion) system, which was delivered from ECAPS to SSC for the PRISMA mission. The propulsion system was integrated on the PRISMA Main satellite "Mango" in September 2007.
The system has two 1 N thrusters and a delta-V capability of 60 m/s. The HPGP system is a flight demonstration in itself, but will also contribute with delta-V capability to the mission.
A HPGP system has 30% higher density specific impulse than a conventional Hydrazine based propulsion system and provides a cost saving by easier handling.
For ECAPS this first delivery of a flight system was an important milestone. For the HPGP technology the work will now continue with a general qualification within ESA
