Delft, Netherlands - 15 Jan 2025

As the space industry rapidly evolves, one thing is clear: safe, scalable chemical propulsion systems are no longer optional—they’re essential. In the world of rideshare launches, where over 100 payloads may share a single launch, propulsion systems must deliver unmatched reliability and safety across every phase, from manufacturing to in-space operations. Crucially, they must also excel at launch pad integration, where safe and efficient propellant loading is a non-negotiable requirement for success.

Nitrous oxide-based chemical propulsion, as opposed to traditional hydrazine, offers:

• Safer fueling on the launch pad
  Non-toxic and easy to handle, nitrous oxide 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 time and money for launch providers.

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 a wide range of applications.

Dawn’s latest heritage numbers speak for themselves:

• Dawn propulsion is onboard 11 of the last 12 SpaceX transporter missions.

• x28 Dawn thrusters launched on Transporter-12 alone, across six satellites, including four SatDrive systems.

• Over 100 Dawn thrusters on orbit to date.

Rideshare Track-record

With this consistent presence on SpaceX rideshare launches since January 2021 on T-1, Dawn has proven itself as a go-to green-chem propulsion provider, where both customers and launch providers benefit from reduced risk and simplified fueling nitrous-oxide offers.

Dawn’s latest rideshare related propellant loading on SpaceX premisses took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California in December 2024. This was for Pixxel, which has three Dawn Aerospace SatDrive systems on board their Firefly hyperspectral constellation, as well as another unnamed customer and SatDrive system.

A Leap in Propulsion Safety and Simplicity - Fueling and Hot-fire Testing

The non-toxic nature of Dawn’s fuels means safety requirements for on-site propellant loading, as well as hot-fire testing prior to 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.

“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.

Moving Beyond Hydrazine

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 onsite fueling, making them a compelling alternative.

Scalable for the Future

With launch capacity an ongoing major bottleneck in the space industry, the next leap will likely come with Starship. Starship could increase payload capacity from Falcon’s 20 metric tons to up to 150 metric tons. SpaceX is targeting operational Starship flights, including commercial missions, between 2026 and 2027.

“We believe Dawn’s green propulsion aids the scalability of rideshare programs, setting a new standard for fueling operational efficiency and safety in the chemical propulsion industry”, says Jeroen Wink, Director at Dawn Aerospace.

With a 5th-place ranking in Deloitte’s Fast50 2024 awards, and  >500% growth in their SatDrive shipments to customers from 2023 to 2024, Dawn Aerospace is poised to increase production and solidify its position as the leading provider of green-chem propulsion revolution.

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