// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Monopropellant Thruster
A monopropellant thruster is a type of rocket engine that produces thrust by decomposing a single chemical propellant, such as hydrazine, over a catalyst bed, which generates hot gas for expulsion. Unlike bipropellant systems, it does not require a separate oxidizer.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A monopropellant thruster is a chemical propulsion device utilized in spacecraft for attitude control and orbital maneuvering, generating thrust via the catalytic decomposition of a single propellant (e.g., hydrazine, hydrogen peroxide) into hot gas expelled through a nozzle.
BACKGROUND
A cold gas thruster is a type of rocket engine which uses the expansion of a pressurized gas to generate thrust. As opposed to traditional rocket engines, a cold gas thruster does not house any combustion and therefore has lower thrust and efficiency compared to conventional monopropellant and bipropellant rocket engines. Cold gas thrusters have been referred to as the "simplest manifestation of a rocket engine" because their design consists only of a fuel tank, a regulating valve, a propelling nozzle, and the little required plumbing. They are the cheapest, simplest, and most reliable propulsion systems available for orbital maintenance, maneuvering and attitude control.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Mono-propellant engine
- Catalytic thruster
- Hydrazine thruster
- Mono prop
USAGE NOTE
These thrusters are widely used for precise, low-thrust maneuvers on satellites and space probes due to their simplicity and reliability.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Monopropellant Thruster.
A major American manufacturer of rocket, missile, and spacecraft propulsion systems, including a wide range of monopropellant (especially hydrazine) thrusters for satellite maneuvering and attitude control.
A Nordic aerospace and defense company with a significant focus on propulsion systems, including both hydrazine and 'green' monopropellant thrusters for various space applications.
A large French multinational aerospace component and defense company. Safran's various divisions develop and supply diverse propulsion systems, including monopropellant thrusters for satellites and spacecraft.
A global designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. Moog provides integrated monopropellant thruster modules and propulsion valves for spacecraft.
Specializes in developing advanced propulsion systems, including 'green' monopropellant thrusters that offer less toxic alternatives to traditional hydrazine, for small satellites and orbital maneuvers.
A designer and manufacturer of high-reliability fluid controls for space applications, including valves and components critical for monopropellant propulsion systems used in satellites and spacecraft.
A New Zealand and Netherlands-based company developing both suborbital vehicles and in-space propulsion systems, including 'green' monopropellant thrusters for satellite maneuvering and de-orbiting.
As a leading European aerospace and defense contractor, Airbus Defence and Space develops and integrates various propulsion systems, including monopropellant thrusters, into their wide range of satellites and spacecraft.