NASA’s ASCENT Propulsion Dual Mode System for Advanced Spaceflight Aces Critical Tests

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, announced that the ASCENT Propulsion Dual Mode system, which will power the agency’s similarly named spacecraft, completed a series of tests in a simulated space environment. The system, which uses a single non-toxic propellant, was tested in a vacuum chamber to ensure the integrity of the spacecraft’s seals. The tests were successful, proving that the seals were working as intended. The system saves mass and volume by using a single fuel source for both types of thrusters, allowing for more room for scientific instruments and enabling missions to launch on smaller, less expensive rockets. The test spacecraft was subjected to thermal vacuum tests, mimicking space’s harsh environmental conditions, and the system proved it could operate normally once in orbit. The mission is entering its final stages of preparation, with next steps including integrating the spacecraft’s solar arrays and performing final system checkouts. The ASCENT mission is planned to launch no earlier than October 1st from Vandenberg Air Force Base aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The successful tests suggest the system could pave the way for wider use in future missions requiring greater maneuverability and efficiency.

• ASCENT system completed tests in simulated space environment
• System uses single non-toxic propellant, saves mass and volume
• Tests included vacuum chamber testing, thermal vacuum tests, and spin test
• System proves it can operate normally in space
• Mission is entering final stages of preparation
• Mission planned to launch no earlier than October 1st from Vandenberg Air Force Base
• System could pave the way for wider use in future missions

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