Aerojet Rocketdyne’s AF-M315E-Based Contract

Aerojet Rocketdyne has signed a contract with NASA to mature the development of a MPS-130 CubeSat propulsion system using a green propellant, known as AF-M315E. Once fully developed, the technology will increase CubeSat maneuverability, offer a modular propulsion system largely comprised of 3-D printed components, as well as provide a safer, more efficient and higher-performance alternative relative to traditional hydrazine propellant.

I’ve talked about AF-M315E and other greener hydrazine alternatives fairly often over the past few months. This is an industry-wide push that shows no signs of slowing down—even water-based systems are in the works.