Nitrous oxide as a rocket propellant

Nitrous oxide is introduced as a multi-purpose propellant for spacecraft. P otential space applications of this propellant are given. Based on comparis on to conventional systems, a multi-mode nitrous oxide propulsion concept i s expected to deliver higher performance. Main features of a seif-pressuris ing, nitrous oxide storage system are described. A nitrous oxide catalytic decomposition technique is suggested for restartable spacecraft propulsion. Up-to-date experimental results are presented. A conclusion describes the long-term feasibility of novel nitrous oxide propulsion option concepts. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.