AF-M315E (ASCENT) Green Monopropellant
Digital Solid State Propulsion
HAN-based green liquid monopropellant, higher performance and lower toxicity than hydrazine, used in NASA GPIM.
Technical specifications
- Appearance
- Translucent, light pink-orange liquid
- Specific gravity
- 1.46
- Freezing point
- Does not freeze; glasses at -80°C
- Ph
- 3.7-4.0
- Viscosity
- 23 cP at 25°C
- Autoignition temperature
- 140°C (runaway onset for slow cook-off)
- Shock sensitivity
- 0 cards in NOL gap test; 'No Go' in SLSGT @ 70 kbar
- Electrostatic discharge sensitivity
- >1 J (10 of 10 negative tests)
- Hazard classification
- 1.4C
- Price - 10lb (1gal)
- $3,850
- Price - 50lb (5gal)
- $16,500
About
AF-M315E is a hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN)-based ‘green’ liquid monopropellant developed by the Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL) and licensed for production by Digital Solid State Propulsion (DSSP). Marketed under the ASCENT name, it provides higher performance and lower toxicity than hydrazine, the legacy storable monopropellant used in satellite and spacecraft propulsion. It ships as a 1.4C hazard class material. A current ATF permit and end user agreement are required by the customer for purchase. AF-M315E gained prominence as the propellant used in NASA’s Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM). Applications include satellite thrusters, in-space propulsion, and reaction control systems requiring a non-toxic hydrazine alternative.
Documentation
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