Overview of Physical and Chemical, Operational Properties of Nitrous Oxide Used as a Propellant for Low-thrust Rocket Engines

Abstract

The results of a system analysis of the efficiency of nitrous oxide (N2O) as a propellant component for small space vehicles (SSV) were presented. A criterion for mass efficiency of the SSV propulsion system (PS) is determined. The current global state-of-the-art of SSV PSs is shown. The application field of nitrous oxide in SSV PSs is calculated and mass efficiency of N2O application is quantitatively determined. An overview of physical and chemical as well as operational properties of nitrous oxide as a promising, non-toxic component of rocket propellant is provided. Main physical and chemical constants of gaseous and liquid nitrous oxide; chemical properties of N2O, thermal stability of N2O, catalytic decomposition of N2O, a mechanism of decomposition of N2O, catalysts for decomposition of N2O, ballast additives to N2O, application of nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide as a rocket propellant, production of nitrous oxide, toxicity of nitrous oxide, fire hazard of N2O, requirements to equipment when handling N2O; storage and transportation of N2O are considered. It is demonstrated that nitrous oxide is a chemical compound meeting the requirements to rocket propellants, including those related to the environmental friendliness of propellants. With 75 references.