Evaluating the miniaturisation of a monopropellant thruster

In this paper the miniaturisation of a hydrogen peroxide monopropellant thruster is considered. The performance of the thruster is characterised with reference to the characteristic exhaust velocity, c* and the decomposition temperature achieved. The use of two different catalyst beds is investigated: a monolithic catalyst bed and a compressed powder catalyst bed. Results from the testing of both catalyst beds are presented and the impact of reducing the diameter of the catalyst bed is discussed.