Specimen Design of Hydrogen Peroxide Systems for Attitude Control

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (HP) is one of the most desirable alternatives to hydrazine and its derivatives, the most common type of fuel utilized in today’s rocket fuel industry. Research interest in HP as a rocket propellant has recently increased due to concerns over the carcinogenic nature of hydrazine-based fuels and the dinitrogen tetroxide rocket propellant combination. Hydrazine is a dangerously unstable, highly toxic, and carcinogenic substance, whereas HP is considered a green fuel. HP has a higher specific gravity and lower cost compared to its counterparts. HP cells are made with catalysts such as nickel, platinum, and palladium, and their efficiency is significantly higher than that of other cells. HP can be used as a monopropellant, bipropellant, or hybrid propellant in various compositions. The exothermic decomposition of HP yields water and oxygen. The rate of decomposition depends on factors such as temperature, concentration, pH, and the catalyst used. After treating the water with suitable salts, it can be consumed by astronauts, giving HP an advantage over other propellants.