Safety assessment of solid propellants for satellites engines

In the aerospace industry, the development and production of propellants to be used for the launching of missiles carrying satellites is an issue gaining more and more importance, along with data transmission and all other activities requiring the use of satellite systems. Research is mostly involved in the setup of new products in terms of both propellants (solid and/or liquid) and engines, having better characteristics in terms of weight, size, manoeuvrability and control. This represents a challenge for the chemical industry both for the research and development of new products and for all the safety aspects related with the main production process and all the "side activities" connected with it (handling, transportation, assembly, etc.) and, finally, with the launching of the carrier of the so-called pay-load, i.e. the satellites to be put into orbit. Risk analysts are thus required to provide effective, reliable and timely results in terms of risk assessment and accident scenarios identification to enable the definition and implementation of the most proper prevention and protection measures for all the production phases. In the present paper, based on specific past experience, some of the critical elements which can be encountered in the risk analysis of the production process of aerospace propellants/engines, will be addressed. Copyright © 2012, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.