# Green Propellant Infusion Mission

> NASA satellite testing a new chemical propellant

**Wikidata**: [Q16820765](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16820765)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Propellant_Infusion_Mission)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/green-propellant-infusion-mission

## Summary
The Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) was a NASA technology demonstration spacecraft that tested a new, less toxic chemical propellant as an alternative to traditional hydrazine fuel. Launched in 2019 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, it successfully demonstrated the viability of this green propellant for future space missions.

## Key Facts
- Launched on June 25, 2019, at 06:30 UTC from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- Operated by NASA as a technology demonstration spacecraft
- Used a BCP-100 spacecraft bus manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies
- Launched aboard Falcon Heavy flight FH-003
- Demonstrated a new green propellant as an alternative to hydrazine
- Satellite's COSPAR ID: 2019-036D
- Object decayed from orbit on October 14, 2020
- Satellite ID: 44342
- Wikipedia available in 4 languages: English, Arabic, Catalan, and Japanese

### Q: What was the purpose of the Green Propellant Infusion Mission?
A: GPIM was designed to test a new, less toxic chemical propellant as an alternative to traditional hydrazine fuel used in spacecraft. The mission aimed to demonstrate the viability and performance of this green propellant for future space missions.

### Q: When and how was GPIM launched?
A: GPIM launched on June 25, 2019, at 06:30 UTC aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. It was part of the STP-2 mission.

### Q: Who operated the Green Propellant Infusion Mission?
A: The mission was operated by NASA as a technology demonstration project to test new propulsion technology.

## Why It Matters
The Green Propellant Infusion Mission represented a significant advancement in spacecraft propulsion technology by demonstrating a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to hydrazine. Traditional hydrazine fuel is highly toxic and requires extensive safety precautions during handling and processing, making it both dangerous and expensive to work with. The new propellant tested by GPIM is less toxic, less flammable, and potentially more efficient than hydrazine. This technology could revolutionize how spacecraft are fueled, reducing costs, improving safety for ground crews, and enabling new mission architectures. The successful demonstration of this technology opens doors for its use in future NASA missions and commercial spacecraft, potentially making space exploration safer and more sustainable while reducing the environmental impact of space operations.

## Notable For
- First NASA mission to demonstrate a complete green propellant system in orbit
- Successfully tested a non-toxic alternative to hydrazine that could reduce handling costs by 50%
- Launched as part of the historic STP-2 mission, the first Department of Defense launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy
- Demonstrated 50% higher performance compared to traditional hydrazine propulsion systems
- Operated for approximately 16 months before orbital decay, exceeding initial mission objectives

## Body
### Mission Overview
The Green Propellant Infusion Mission was a NASA technology demonstration project that launched on June 25, 2019, as part of the Space Test Program-2 (STP-2) mission. The spacecraft was designed to test a new "green" propellant developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory in cooperation with NASA.

### Technical Specifications
GPIM utilized a BCP-100 spacecraft bus built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies. The satellite weighed approximately 180 kg and was equipped with five thrusters to test the green propellant across various operating conditions. The propellant itself is a hydroxyl ammonium nitrate fuel/oxidizer blend, also known as AF-M315E.

### Mission Objectives and Results
The primary objective was to demonstrate the practical capabilities of the green propellant in orbit, including its safety, performance, and handling characteristics. The mission successfully completed all planned demonstrations, showing that the propellant provides 50% higher performance compared to traditional hydrazine systems. The spacecraft operated successfully until October 14, 2020, when it naturally decayed from orbit.

### Launch Details
GPIM launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket as part of the STP-2 mission, which was the first Department of Defense mission launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A at 06:30 UTC. This was Falcon Heavy flight FH-003.

### Significance for Future Missions
The successful demonstration of this technology could lead to its adoption in future NASA missions and commercial spacecraft. The green propellant offers multiple advantages: it's less toxic and less flammable than hydrazine, potentially reducing handling costs by 50%, and it provides higher performance, allowing spacecraft to travel farther or operate longer on less propellant. This technology represents a significant step toward safer, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible space exploration.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.ball.com/aerospace/programs/gpim)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.space.com/spacex-falcon-heavy-stp2-launch-success.html)
4. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=44342)