Posted by tourdemars to Technology at March 17, 2004 10:02 AM

SSTL have demonstrated in-orbit the use of a steam propulsion system onboard the UK-DMC satellite, launched on 27th September 2003. The novel micro-propulsion experiment used 2.06 grams of water as propellant. This 'green' propellant is non-toxic, non-hazardous to ground operators and results in improved specific impulse over conventional cold gas nitrogen, at a significantly lower cost.