NASA will go to ekotoplivo for its launch

Since the first launch, and still, as one of the key elements of fuel for a conclusion of satellites in orbit and the adjustment of their trajectory, using a substance such as hydrazine, which has filled German fighter-interceptors during the second world war.

It is mainly used in auxiliary engines in the form of a monopropellant, but sometimes it is based on a fuel to launch rockets media. However, since hydrazine is highly toxic, problematic to store, and has a relatively low specific thrust, the development of a new fuel element remained relevant until recently.

On finding an effective substitute for hydrazine scientists working with the late 90-ies of the last century. So, in 2002, researchers in the laboratories of the U.S. air force was designed energetic ionic liquid (EIL) AF-M315, which in the future will be able to replace the outdated hydrazine. The values of specific energy density AF-M315 is twice more than the similar indicators of hydrazine. Also, very importantly, the toxicity and Flammability of vapors new development, almost zero.

Of course, the prospect of the use of EIL was interested and the National Space Agency. So, in 2005, the programme of development and production of new engines for the new fuel has received funding. Sum of the investment amounted to 45 million U.S. dollars. The deadline for project completion is 2015.

Additional benefits of using fuel based on AF-M315 is a reduction of time to prepare the spacecraft, and will also increase the period of use of the satellites, which depends on the fuel used to correct the trajectory of the orbit.

Perhaps in the near future, indeed, the flights of rockets will not be as destructive to the environment, especially the ozone layer, which is so dotted and worn over the past half century.

Source: rodovid.me