Jane Edwards
Orbital ATK has partnered with Sweden-based space propulsion systems provider ECAPS to build and market a liquid green propulsion platform intended for government and commercial use.
Orbital ATK will use the ECAPS-developed LMP-103S monopropellant as an alternative to hydrazine-based propulsion systems under the agreement, Orbital ATK said Monday.
LMP-103S is designed to have low toxicity levels and works to facilitate the propellant loading procedure prior to satellite transport.
Pat Nolan, vice president and general manager of the missile products division at Orbital ATK’s defense systems group, said the company’s partnership with ECAPS will help commercialize green propulsion platforms in the U.S.
The alliance also supports Orbital ATK’s efforts to advance green propulsion systems that include tests on 22 and 5 Newton thrusters and support to Small Business Innovation Research initiatives.
ECAPS holds several global patents for thruster design, ammonium dinitramide-based propellants, catalyst and manufacturing processes and runs production facilities in Solna, Sweden.
