220N Monopropellant Thruster
Nammo Space is engaged in the development and qualification of a Roll and Attitude Control Systems [RACS], based on Nammo’s green propulsion technologies.
A first application of the system will be used on the new Vega-C Upper Stage. As the main component of this system Nammo is developing a 220N Hydrogen Peroxide monopropellant thruster. The propellant this thruster is using is 87.5% concentration H2O2. Nammo Raufoss is responsible for the development of the thruster, while Nammo Ireland is responsible for the flow control valve.
The high performance green monopropellant thruster uses a silver catalyst developed and manufactured by Nammo Raufoss according to internal proprietary processes. The moderate combustion temperature of the thruster avoids the use of expensive and rare metals and it achieve an efficient mass performance using standard high strength Inconel.
Nammo has recently expanded their green propulsion facilities in support of the development and manufacturing of H2O2 based Attitude Control Systems, including the RACS system for Vega. Nammo has on-site all required development and production facilities to serve the needs of the RACS and its components. This includes an ISO Class 8 cleanroom as well as a dedicated test site for green propellant, with 40,000 litres of Hydrogen Peroxide stored on site.
Nammo has more than a decade experience on H2O2 based applications for Attitude Control of Launchers and Spacecraft. Nammo has been involved in H2O2 based propulsion since 2008, and has established the technologies, processes and facilities in support of throttleable and large scale hybrid rocket motors, including the rocket motor that powered the suborbital Nucleus Sounding Rocket into space.
Typical Application
Launcher Roll and Attitude Control, stage separation boost
Typical Operational Mode
Steady state [SSF] and pulse mode firing [PMF]
Propellant
87.5% Hydrogen Peroxide
Thrust Range
22.5 lbf to 56.2 lbf, Nominal 49.5 lbf
Thrust, at sea level
17.9 lbf to 40.5 lbf, Nominal 33.3 lbf
Thruster Angle
From an axial thrust to a right angled thrust
Vacuum Specific Impulse [SSF]
In Steady State Firing mode
Vacuum Specific Impulse [PMF]
In Pulse Firing Mode
Total Impulse
>200,000 Ns
Maximum Duration Single Firing
>120 seconds
Engine Mass
3.26 lb [including valve]
Envelope
ø 160 mm x 168 mm
Operating Temperature
1238°F
Propellant Inlet Temperature
+59°F to +176°F
Minimum Test Temperature
+41°F
Storage Life
8 Years
Operational Life
The Vega-C operational life is 24 hours
Valve Type
The valve is Class 2 compatible with H2O2
Valve Cycles
16,000 on/off cycles
Valve Voltage
24 Vdc to 26 Vdc [Transient]
Power Consumption
< 50 W
Valve Response Time
The physical movement is approximately 3 ms.
Structural Interface
The interfaces can be customised based on the customer needs.
Fluidic Interface
The interfaces can be customised based on the customer needs.
Electrical Interface
The interfaces can be customised based on the customer needs.
Technology Readiness Level
Development and qualification is ongoing.
Status
This thruster is being developed and qualified for the Vega-C upper stage AVUM+.
NAMMO RAUFOSS
ENGINEERING
- Multidisciplinary space department
- Specialists in H2O2 propulsion
- Experienced in sounding rocket flight
- Experienced on Ariane and Vega programs
- Emphasis on Risk Management
MANUFACTURING
- On-site production facility
- Licensed for on site processes
TEST FACILITIES
- 500kN thrust test stand
- Multiple vibration test units
- Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion Test Facility
CLEANROOM
- Specific space hardware assembly areas
- Cleanliness risk mitigated
QUALITY
- Certified to AS9100
- Customer focused Product Assurance
Contact
Kristian Lium
Vice President Space at Nammo Raufoss AS
VISIT
Enggata 37, NO-2830, Raufoss, Norway
Email address
kristian.lium@nammo.com
Phone
+47 414 02 967
Location
Nammo Raufoss AS
Address
Nammo Raufoss AS
37, Enggata,
Innlandet, 2830,
Norway
