The discussion centers on the costs associated with satellite fuels and cryogens, particularly hydrazine, liquid oxygen, and helium. Participants note that while specific pricing information is scarce, the cost of chemical fuels is relatively minor compared to the overall expenses of space missions, which are primarily driven by launch costs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per kilogram. Suggestions for obtaining more information include contacting commercial satellite manufacturers like Space Systems/Loral for ballpark figures. One contributor mentions that hydrazine is not particularly expensive, with industrial suppliers listing it at around $2,000 per metric ton. The conversation also touches on the potential use of liquid hydrogen, although it presents containment challenges. The inquiry is motivated by a grant proposal related to capillary fluids in low-gravity environments, rather than rocketry.
