Dual-Mode Green Monopropellant Thrusters for Sustainable Space Exploration: Experimental Research at Khalifa University

With the transition of the space industry towards environmentally sustainable propulsion options, hydrogen peroxide (HTP) has garnered considerable interest as a viable green monopropellant. This study, conducted at Khalifa University, highlights the development and experimental validation of a novel dual-mode HTP monopropellant thruster, engineered to provide both Steady state and pulsed thrust capabilities. The research concentrates on enhancing the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide utilizing a silver-based catalyst bed at an 87.5% HTP concentration. The thruster design incorporates a modular catalyst bed and an optimized shower-head injector plate, improving decomposition efficiency and decreasing response time. Extensive ground testing validated the thruster's stable performance, achieving characteristic velocity efficiencies of 93% in steady mode and 94% in pulsed mode. The results indicate the viability of employing silver catalysts for prolonged operational durations, establishing this dual-mode thruster as a promising high-thrust responsive cubeSat propulsion. This study emphasizes substantial advancements in green propulsion technologies at Khalifa University, providing a reliable and sustainable alternative for conventional hydrazine-based systems.