GEM (Green Electric Monopropellant)
Digital Solid State Propulsion
HAN-based liquid monopropellant family, electrically ignitable or catalyst-bed ignitable, in GEM3 and Sierra GEM variants.
Technical specifications
- Chemical basis
- Hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN)-based liquid monopropellant
- Ignition method
- Electric ignition or catalyst bed ignition
- Hazard classification
- 1.4C
- Variants
- GEM3 (propulsion-grade, comparable to AF-M315E); Sierra GEM (high-temperature stability, oilfield use)
- Regulatory requirement
- Current ATF permit and end-user agreement required for purchase
- Viscosity
- approximately 20 centipoise at 25°C
- pH
- 2 to 4
- Boiling point
- decomposes at approx. 170°C
- Melting point
- Less than 0°C (32°F)
- Freezing point
- Less than 0°C (32°F)
- Vapor pressure
- 5-24mmHg, 25°C
- Vapor density
- <0.1 kg/m3
- Specific Gravity
- approx 1.5
- Solubility in Water
- Completely Soluble
About
GEM (Green Electric Monopropellant) is a hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN)-based liquid monopropellant developed by DSSP that can be ignited electrically or via a catalyst bed. It ships as a 1.4C hazard class material and requires the customer to hold a current ATF permit and end-user agreement. The GEM3 variant is engineered to be comparable to AF-M315E in density and viscosity, with slightly higher performance and faster ignition characteristics, making it suitable for in-space propulsion applications. The Sierra GEM variant is formulated for higher temperature stability and is targeted at downhole well stimulation for enhanced oil recovery, an adjacent industrial application of the same chemistry.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.