Matthew Nelson
Ball Aerospace has handed over to NASA a small eco-friendly satellite that will test a new, low-toxic fuel blend as part of the agency’s Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM).
The AF-M315E fuel, which was developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, contains Hydroxyl Ammonium Nitrate. This newly-developed blend is a “green†alternative to the methods of chemical propulsion utilized by satellites today. The satellite will be launched in June, the company said Monday.
Ball Aerospace contributions to the creation of the satellite include systems engineering, flight data review, integration and launch support.
"We are proud to be part of this historic mission to test a new 'green' propellant on board Ball's flight-proven small satellite, helping to provide science at any scale," said Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, vice president and general manager of Civil Space strategic business unit at Ball Aerospace.
