HIM_30: Hot-Firing Tests and Characterization of a Green Hypergolic Propellant based on Ionic Liquids and Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

In the New Space sector's search for alternative hypergolic propellants, the combination of hydrogen peroxide as oxidizer and ionic liquids as fuel is emerging as a promising avenue. Ionic liquids possess properties such as negligible vapor pressure, high density and tailorable cation structures, which make them highly attractive for future space propulsion systems. The fuel HIM_30 is a blend of two ionic liquids that provides rapid hypergolic ignition with high test peroxide without the inclusion of transition metals or hydride-based additives. In this paper, not only a comprehensive characterization of this new green propellant combination is presented, but also the results of the first hot-firing tests are discussed, which represent the next step towards the application of this upcoming green space propellant.