Chemical Propulsion and Hydrazine
Is the supply of chemical propellants and thrusters for satellites secure?
Chapter summary
many satellites, especially in geostationary orbit, defence and those needing fast manoeuvres, still use chemical propulsion, mostly hydrazine monopropellant or hydrazine-family bipropellants.
Key takeaways
- 1
Hydrazine is toxic and carcinogenic, its space-grade supply is narrow, and Europe lists it among substances of very high concern, so users hold time-limited authorisations.
- 2
The US Defense Logistics Agency awarded its bulk high-purity hydrazine contract in September 2025 after receiving a single bid.
- 3
Greener propellants exist but are not qualified across most thruster classes.
Key figures in this chapter
- 1
- bid for the US government bulk hydrazine contract (Sept 2025)
- ~$82M
- contract ceiling
- ~150,000 lb
- legacy stock in the transition plan
- ~$13.3M
- Space Force in-orbit refuelling contract
Source: HigherGov contract record; reporting
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Propellants for Electric Propulsion: Xenon, Krypton, Argon and Iodine
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