Solid propellant cold gas generators

Most space missions end as onboard fuel runs low. But Proba-2’s gaseous xenon fuel tank includes four special solid propellant cool gas generators which can be ignited to release gaseous nitrogen at room temperature, replenishing fuel tank pressure to squeeze out more performance. The work of Netherlands-based Bradford Engineering and TNO, the first firing of this Cool Gas Demonstration Experiment (COGEX) is scheduled later in 2010.

“The gas is chemically bonded in solid material for storage in a low volume with no pressurisation for long time periods,” said Johan Kuiper of Bradford Engineering. “Terrestrial uses include amongst others fire extinguishers, flotation devices and medical equipment.”