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Propulsion method

Monopropellant Propulsion

A simple chemical system in which a single propellant — classically hydrazine — is decomposed over a catalyst bed to produce hot gas, needing no separate oxidiser or ignition. Monopropellant thrusters are workhorses for spacecraft attitude control and small maneuvers, valued for their simplicity and quick, repeatable pulses.

Highlights

  • One propellant decomposed over a catalyst — no oxidiser

Across space engineering

Knowledge connections

Sources

The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.

  • NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration

    Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.

    Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.