The space agency is looking to use innovative and non-toxic green fuels for future missions that are less harmful to the environment, decrease operational hazards and reduce costs of launch.
Green propellants expected to be used include liquid, solid, mono- propellants that use one fuel source or bi-propellants that use two, and hybrids offering safer handling conditions while lowering environmental impact.
NASA’s Space Technology Program director Michael Gazarik said that the usage of green propellants could revolutionize space travel in the days to come.
"An effective green rocket fuel would dramatically reduce the cost and time for preparing and launching space missions while decreasing pollution and harm to our environment," added Gazarik.
Ball Aerospace & Technology will lead a team for the demonstration of the Green Propellant Infusion Mission proposal comprising of Aerojet Corporation, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, NASA’s Glenn Research Center and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
The green mission is expected to be completed in three years with the Space Technology Program providing $45m funding.
