After over 13 months of operation , NASA is quenched with the results from itsGreen Propellant Infusion Mission(GPIM ) , rise a " greener " fuel could be a practical alternative for succeeding missions . The curriculum set out to demonstrate the property of a fresh type of rocket fuel significantly less toxic than hydrazine , which has been used for ten to power the maneuvering thrusters of space vehicle like the Space Shuttle and Martian lander .
The new fuel is known as Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non - Toxic ( ASCENT ) . It is a monopropellant , which means it does n’t necessitate an oxidizer to burn down , it can burn by itself , making it useful in space where there ’s no atomic number 8 . It also do more efficiently than hydrazine , meaning that with less fuel , spacecraft can go further .
“ This is the first time in 50 years NASA tested a new , high - perform monopropellant in space , ” Tim Smith , GPIM foreign mission managing director at NASA ’s Marshall Space Flight Center , said in astatement . “ It has the potential to add on or even replace hydrazine , which spacecraft have used since the sixties . "
Hydrazine is extremely toxic so workers have to assume protective suit of clothes to deal with it , and the loading procedures are extremely strict . A hydrazine spill could be extremely harmful . ASCENT on the other deal is safer to store and use ; whoever handles it just needs gloves , a lab pelage , and goggles .
Launched in June 2019 , GPIM was a test missionary station to prove out ASCENT ’s propellant and actuation ability to vary and brace its orbit and other maneuvers . The mission has render that ASCENT has 50 pct more fuel consumption rate than an tantamount volume of hydrazine , wee-wee it a workable , in force alternative for the spaceflight diligence .
GPIM has now begin its curtain call . The spacecraft has get down its deorbiting burns , which will take it down to 180 kilometers ( 110 miles ) of elevation . With its propellent consume , the small foxiness will combust up in the ambiance later this month .
NASA is already design it ’s next trial run for this green Modern fuel . ASCENT will be employed in theLunar Flashlightmission ask to launch on Artemis I , the first incorporate flight exam of NASA ’s Orion ballistic capsule and Space Launch System ( SLS ) rocket , next yr .
