Hydrogen Peroxide Enables Sustainable, Efficient Space Exploration
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can send rockets and satellites into space. In fact, it is an excellent alternative to some other fuels that have historically been used in rocketry. Why? For a few reasons: First, highly concentrated H₂O₂ is a powerful propellant that can either act on its own to launch spacecraft, or as part of a fuel mix in larger engines. But since it decomposes only into water and oxygen, spent hydrogen peroxide leaves no harmful chemicals on the environment. In addition, H₂O₂ can provide the energy to deploy and navigate satellites, guiding their orbits throughout their lifecycle.
H₂O₂ As a Driver in the New Space Sector
“New Space” refers to the privatization of space travel – which relies more and more on H2O2 as a fuel.
BUT LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK: WHY IS H₂O₂ SUCH A GOOD FIT FOR SPACEFLIGHT?
Hydrogen peroxide with a concentration above 80 percent by weight delivers remarkable power. It can move loads weighing several tons, including space rockets. Highly concentrated H₂O₂ also offers another advantage: It contains very little water, which would otherwise be nothing more than dead weight. As a result, high energy meets low ballast. And lower weight means lower transport energy and cost. Concentrated H₂O₂ can power the new, mostly smaller generations of launch vehicles that deploy satellites with pinpoint accuracy into low Earth orbit. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is comparatively easy to handle and store. All of these factors open the door for smaller operations—even start-ups—to enter the space industry.
Paving the way for green rocketry
Hydrogen peroxide is a key enabler for rocket launches with less environmental impact. That's because, after releasing its enormous power, H₂O₂ decomposes solely into its natural components—water and oxygen. It leaves behind no residues that are harmful to the environment or hazardous to health.
What other rocket fuel can make the same claim?
Redirecting and decelerating satellites
As with launch vehicles, satellites are also evolving toward significantly more compact designs. Even nano‑ and microsatellites now offer space for more high-tech equipment that enables a connected world. Satellites fueled by H2O2 can be redirected into new orbits, extending their useful life. And once a satellite has reached the end of its service, it can be decelerated using H₂O₂ — bringing into an ever-lower orbit, where it incinerates in a controlled manner and avoids a fate as space junk.
Hydrogen peroxide is thus an important factor in the next evolutionary step of spaceflight: Smaller vehicles, less environmental impact, less debris in orbit.
ENORMOUS POWER: HYDROGEN PEROXIDE PROPELS HEAVY LOADS AND LEAVES NO POLLUTANTS BEHIND
Spaceflight powered by H₂O₂
The space industry is increasingly recognizing the value of hydrogen peroxide. This starts with rocket launches and extends to in‑orbit satellite control.
