Study on Catalysts Used in the Decomposition of Liquid Monopropellant Based on Ammonium Dinitramide and Introduction of a Suitable Catalyst

Research in space thrusters has been one of the topics of interest to researchers in the world in recent years due to the need for satellites with high durability in orbit and controllability. If the propulsion system is not used in the structure of the satellite, after a short time, the life of the satellite will end due to the inability to attitude control and orbit adjustment. Therefore, the use propulsion system is inevitable. Among the thrusters used, the hydrazine catalytic thruster has a very favorable position. However, since hydrazine is carcinogenic, research is ongoing to replace the monopropellant. Finally, the liquid monopropellant based on ammonium dinitramide (ADN) has been introduced. Decomposition of liquid monopropellant requires a suitable catalyst to perform this process in the best possible way. In this article, a literature survey indicated that most catalysts used for the decomposition of liquid monopropellant based on ADN are copper, platinum, and copper-platinum supported on gamma-alumina dopped with lanthanum.