Deep Space Engine (Previously Bipropellant In-Space Engine - ISE 100)

Advancing deep space thruster technology of MON25/MMH bi-propellant. MON25/MMH has never been flown in space, however this technology allows us to build lighter, physically smaller, and cheaper engines that can operate at much colder environments than previously flown. Propellant that can operate at colder temperatures requires less power for propellant conditioning in deep space, thus lowering battery mass requirements. This technology provides more payload volume, power, and mass for deep space missions than currently available. The MON25/MMH thrusters are baselined to fly demonstration missions on the commercial CATALYST partner, Astrobotic, lunar lander as well as the NASA Resource Prospector Mission Lander. The objective is to fly the Astrobotic lander by December 2019. More »