From Lampoldshausen to Space: DLR Spin-off InSpacePropulsion Technologies and the Development Status of Green Propellant Thrusters Based on H2O2 and N2O

The German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Space Propulsion in Lampoldshausen has more than a decade of experience in green propellant research and green propulsion hardware development. Over time, thrusters and propulsion hardware were developed in-house and the TRL of the hardware was increased step by step. Currently, the two most promising technologies are: the HyNOx bipropellant technology, based on nitrous oxide and hydrocarbon fuels, as well as the hypergolic HIP_11 technology. To commercialize the two propulsion technologies, a DLR spin-off called InSpacePropulsion Technologies will be founded in summer 2023. The preparation of the spin-off is currently funded by the Helmholtz Association and DLR. This paper gives an overview on the development of the two technologies and their development status