Dawn Aerospace is setting a new standard in the space industry with its innovative nitrous oxide-based propulsion systems, ideal for rideshare launches. These systems address the growing demand for scalable, safe, and efficient chemical propulsion, particularly for missions involving multiple payloads. Nitrous oxide propulsion addresses these needs by offering safer and simpler fueling processes, reduced risks during leaks, and high adaptability for various missions.

Key Advantages of Nitrous-Based Propulsion

• Safer fueling on the launch pad: Nitrous oxide is non-toxic and easy to handle. It requires minimal PPE, just safety glasses and ear protection. This makes fueling faster, safer, and simpler than hydrazine.
• Rideshare-friendly safety: If a leak occurs, nitrous oxide disperses harmlessly, reducing risks to neighboring payloads a critical advantage for rideshare missions.
• Extreme scalability: Nitrous-based propulsion offers extreme scalability, with demonstrated functionality across thrust ranges from 1N to 25,000N, from CubeSats to large interplanetary transfer stages.
• Ready for the refueling future: With electric ignition and no catalysts, Dawn’s propulsion systems are cold-start capable and support both steady-state and pulse operations key for rendezvous and docking missions. 
• Cost savings: Avoiding hydrazine eliminates complex handling fees and safety requirements, saving launch providers time and money.

The versatility and scalability of nitrous-based propulsion means Dawn is already working with two lunar mission customers across three satellites (Blue Canyon Technologies and Cislunar), a GEO-servicing mission (Infinite Orbits), and flagship missions like AstroForge’s deep-space launch scheduled for launch in Q1 2025. These missions highlight nitrous oxide’s capability to scale across various applications.

Dawn’s impressive heritage numbers showcase its industry-leading performance and reliability. With Dawn propulsion featured on 11 of the last 12 SpaceX Transporter missions, the company continues to set a benchmark for innovation. Transporter-12 alone saw the launch of 28 Dawn thrusters across six satellites, including four advanced SatDrive systems. To date, over 100 Dawn thrusters are successfully operating in orbit, solidifying the company’s position as a trusted partner in satellite propulsion.

Since January 2021, Dawn Aerospace has consistently supported SpaceX rideshare launches, establishing itself as a reliable provider of green-chem propulsion systems. In December 2024, Dawn conducted propellant loading at Vandenberg Space Force Base for Pixxel's Firefly hyperspectral constellation, featuring three Dawn SatDrive systems, along with another unnamed customer utilizing their technology.

The non-toxic nature of Dawn’s fuels means safety requirements for on-site propellant loading, as well as hot-fire testing before customer delivery, are minimal. A full system-level propulsion test requires a bunker and basic PPE, including ear protection and safety glasses. What's noticeable with nitrous-oxide systems compared to hydrazine systems, is just how benign the safety requirements and processes are. 

“We’re conducting multiple hot-fire tests daily in our in-house testing facility, which is co-located with our engineering and manufacturing teams. This ease of testing allows us to significantly enhance confidence in the performance of the systems we deliver to customers,” says Dawn’s testing coordinator.

Preparing for hydrazine fueling wearing “SCAPE" suits for MTG-I1

Hydrazine-based systems, long a cornerstone of chemical propulsion, are facing increased scrutiny. Their toxicity, complexity, and logistical challenges underscore the transformative advantages of nitrous-based propulsion an elegant solution to the demands of rideshare services.

With rideshare launches becoming the dominant pathway for small satellites to reach orbit, streamlining logistics is more important than ever. Dawn Aerospace’s SatDrive and CubeDrive deliver simplicity, safety, and ease of on-site fueling, making them compelling alternatives.

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