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<\/a><\/p>\nThe innovation addresses one of the long-standing challenges of liquid propulsion: the extended pre-heating required before engine activation. By combining the responsiveness of solid propulsion with the controllability and precision of liquid systems, ECAPS\u2019 FAST technology establishes a new operational standard for rapid-deploy spacecraft and dual-use mobility platforms.<\/p>\n
ECAPS will fully commercialize the technology in 2026, offering customers full range integration into various thrust classes, ranging from 22N to multi-kN. The technology will also serve applications in auxiliary systems.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Liquid Propulsion Delay<\/p>\n
Conventional liquid propulsion systems, including those based on hydrazine, high-test peroxide, or other oxidizers, typically require several minutes, or even up to an hour, of catalyst bed pre-conditioning before ignition. This limits responsiveness and flexibility, particularly for missions that demand short-notice maneuvering or quick-reaction capability.<\/p>\n
The FAST architecture, developed around ECAPS\u2019 proprietary LMP-103S propellant, overcomes this limitation through an optimized thermal management design and a new catalyst preconditioning method. The result is immediate readiness and repeatable ignition, while maintaining high specific impulse, stability, and long-term storage performance.<\/p>\n
Demonstration and Results<\/p>\n
For the last two years, ECAPS has been conducting full-scale qualifications campaigns on its 22N LMP-103S-based thruster at the company\u2019s Grindsj\u00f6n propulsion test facility. In mid-2025, the FAST-enabled configuration achieved ignition-to-operation temperature stabilization in around 48 seconds, representing a ten-fold reduction in pre-heating time compared to conventional liquid systems of similar class.<\/p>\n
Testing confirmed repeatable performance across multiple duty cycles, validating the system for both spacecraft attitude control and dual-use propulsion modules requiring high precision and rapid deployability.<\/p>\n
Upon completion of ECAPS\u2019s qualifications campaigns, FAST aims to further expedite pre-deployment preheating, targeting full thruster readiness in under 10 seconds.<\/p>\n
Operational and Strategic Relevance<\/p>\n
The FAST concept directly supports emerging mission profiles impacted by orbital congestion and characterized by time-critical deployment and on-demand maneuvering, key for both commercial and government operators.<\/p>\n
\u201cFAST bridges the gap between responsiveness and precision,\u201d said Odysseas Christofi, CEO of ECAPS. \u201cBy cutting pre-start conditioning times from minutes to under a minute, we enable a new class of mobility for operators who must reposition or deploy assets rapidly in dynamic orbital environments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Building on this achievement, ECAPS has been awarded a dual-use development contract to design and qualify a FAST-based gas generator and thruster system, extending the technology to both space and defense power applications. This program will demonstrate rapid-start ADN propulsion modules suitable for orbital vehicles, auxiliary power units (APUs), and tactical propulsion systems.<\/p>\n
Commercial Availability<\/p>\n
As part of its technology roadmap, ECAPS will make the FAST-enabled LMP-103S thrusters and gas generator systems available to commercial and institutional customers starting in 2026. The technology will be offered both as stand-alone propulsion components and as part of ECAPS\u2019 integrated propulsion system line for spacecraft and dual-use applications.<\/p>\n
Next Steps<\/p>\n
ECAPS\u2019s campaign ensues, and FAST is targeting full qualification in 2026. This includes the technology\u2019s integration with upcoming orbital vehicle and satellite platforms within ECAPS\u2019 international program portfolio.<\/p>\n
About ECAPS<\/p>\n
Founded in 2000 and based in Solna, Sweden, ECAPS AB is the global provider of High-Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP) technology. The company develops and manufactures propulsion systems using LMP-103S, an ammonium-dinitramide-based propellant offering high performance, low toxicity, and reduced ground handling costs.<\/p>\n