Concept of a green propulsion system for IOSHEX, designed to perform in-orbit rendezvous and docking

Recent challenges in space access include cost optimization and space debris reduction. The European Space Agency has envisioned the evolution of in-orbit transportation involving re-usable service vehicles, moving payloads from high parking orbits to their target orbits. This concept for orbital infrastructure requires de-risking activities and the development of building blocks, such as standardized interfaces and communication. Mastery of close-proximity operations and docking is essential for the new transportation system. This new branch of space operations represents a good opportunity to introduce more sustainable propulsion solutions, especially given the high costs and uncertain future of hydrazine and its derivatives. IOSHEX, a service spacecraft to be equipped with a green propulsion system utilizing 98% hydrogen peroxide, serves as a reference. This paper presents a design concept for this propulsion system, including trade-off analyses, calculations, and a three-dimensional model integrated with IOSHEX.

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This work has been performed in the framework of “Phase 0/A Studies on Space Logistics Proof of Concept-1 (PoC-1): In-Orbit Rendezvous and Docking” funded by the European Space Agency.