APOGEE STAFF
The European Commission is working with a company based in New Zealand and the United States to develop “‘green”’ in-space propulsion technology to replace hydrazine-based systems over concerns about toxicity. The commission, which is the governing body of the European Union, classifies hydrazine as a substance of very high concern.
The company, Dawn Aerospace, said its propulsion technology will have the size and performance of hydrazine-based systems but without the toxicity, supply chain or regulatory risks. The commission’s European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program awarded Dawn $1.52 million to develop its alternative propellant. “As it currently stands, hydrazine is a major pain point for existing space users, and an insurmountable barrier for many would-be space ventures,” Dawn Aerospace CEO Stefan Powell said.
The European Commission is considering banning hydrazine by classifying it within REACH — Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. While other green alternatives have been proposed over the years, widespread use was limited due to cost, performance and logistical concerns. Dawn is under contract to produce more than 200 thrusters in 2022 for commercial clients. Its “green, bi-propellant technology” is on pace to become the second-most prolific chemical propulsion type in orbit, after hydrazine, the company said.