During 2021 and early 2022, Plastron benefitted from the UK Space Agency SPIN programme, securing the involvement of a university student to investigate the environmental Cradle-to-Grave impact of launcher propellants.
As the research progressed, significant papers were published by ESA, NASA and leading universities investigating the impact of propellants on the environment and the atmosphere.
Our study, led by Nojus Zidonis, a 2nd year MENG student at Manchester University, took a specific focus – using available data and analysis in the public domain – to explain in non-academic terms the reasons why research into propellant pollution is now an important concern for the industry.
This is presented by Plastron as an industry white paper intended to help reset the debate for a number of important reasons:
- There has been misleading ongoing promotion of ‘green’ propellants. We dispel this oxymoron, since there are currently no propellant combinations commercially available today that meet the standard LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) measures for being ‘green’ (e.g. they all contribute any one or more of 18 known by-products harmful to the biome either during manufacture, storage, combustion and/or decontamination).
- Most commentary about ‘green’ propellants only focus on the combustion during flight. This again is misleading as it fails to consider the impact throughout the LCA as above. In addition, there are new, serious safety concerns that arise with some novel propellants being touted as ‘green’.
- Direct comparison of propellant combinations has been used to infer superior benefits in favour of one combination over another. Without a meaningful framework for comparing combinations, it has been surprisingly easy for the industry to promote for reasons of self-interest over the common good of the industry.
We hope this report provides a principled approach to appreciating the complexity of propellant science without the need to be neither a chemist nor an engineer. And for those studying this area as well as for new start-ups, we trust this generates an unambiguous and unbiased opportunity to enhance your knowledge and influence your careers in a progressive manner.
We extend our thanks to the UK Space Agency for this opportunity and to Nojus for an exceptional piece of work. The Satellite Applications Catapult will be holding an event in Leeds on November 29th to promote all of last years’ SPIN projects; we look forward to seeing you there.