Monopropellant
Monopropellant is a type of rocket propellant that uses a single chemical substance as both fuel and oxidizer. This substance is usually a highly reactive compound, such as hydrazine, that decomposes exothermically to produce hot gases. Monopropellant systems are simpler and more reliable than bipropellant systems, which require separate fuel and oxidizer tanks and plumbing. However, monopropellants have lower specific impulse and are less efficient than bipropellants. Monopropellant systems are commonly used for small thrusters, such as those used for attitude control, and for emergency propulsion systems. They are also used as a backup system for bipropellant engines.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Gravitational Waves: Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by the acceleration of massive objects. They were predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity and were first directly detected by the Laser Interferometer Gra ... Read More >>
- Mission Failure: Mission failure refers to the unsuccessful completion of a space mission due to technical, operational, or human errors. It can occur at any stage of the mission, from launch to landing, and can result in the loss of spacecraft, payload, an ... Read More >>
- Error-detecting Code: Error-detecting codes are codes that are designed to detect errors that may occur during data transmission or storage. These codes are used in various applications such as satellite communication, deep space communication, and digital data ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06