Determination of fluid properties of the green propellant FLP-106 and related material and component testing with regard to applications in space missions

Abstract

The obtained results of the work conducted within the scope of the GRASP project showed that the energetic ionic liquid FLP-106 is a very interesting candidate to substitute hydrazine in propulsion systems relevant for attitude control systems of satellites. Its properties show that it is in comparison to hydrazine also space storable, significantly simpler to use, environmentally more benign and shows better specific impulses. In comparison to LMP-103S the specific impulses and the density of FLP-106 are also higher. With the realized experimental durability test setup important information could be obtained. Several tasks could be identified for further investigation, which have to be solved on the way to show if FLP-106 has the potential to be used as a possible new monopropellant for future propulsion systems. It has also been proven that the FCV maintained its full functionality after the durability testing with FLP-106. An FLP-106 model thruster setup was realized and prepared for hot fire testing. The conducted pre-tests gave significant information for the proper test campaign within a subsequent research program to GRASP. Summarizing FLP-106 is a very interesting candidate and could have the potential to replace hydrazine in attitude control systems of satellites, but further detailed investigations have to be conducted to enhance the technology readiness level.