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May 21st, 2019
Ball Aerospace Small Satellite for NASA Arrives in Florida for Launch

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BOULDER, Colo., May 20, 2019 — The Ball Aerospace-built small spacecraft for NASA’s Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) arrived in Florida today to prepare for a June launch on board a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. GPIM is NASA’s first opportunity to demonstrate a new “green” propellant and propulsion system in orbit – an alternative to conventional chemical propulsion systems.

A sustainable and efficient approach to spaceflight, GPIM will demonstrate the practical capabilities of a Hydroxyl Ammonium Nitrate fuel and oxidizer blend, called AF-M315E. This innovative, low toxicity, “green” propellant was developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory. GPIM is part of NASA’s Technology Demonstration Missions program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

“GPIM was a truly collaborative effort, working with our partners – NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Air Force and SpaceX,” said Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, vice president and general manager, Civil Space, Ball Aerospace. “We are proud to be part of this historic mission to test a new ‘green’ propellant on board Ball’s flight-proven small satellite, helping to provide science at any scale.”