How expensive are satellite fuels?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the costs associated with satellite fuels and cryogens, including inquiries about specific prices and sources of information. Participants explore the economic aspects of fuel in the context of space missions, touching on both chemical fuels and the broader costs of launching satellites.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for specific costs of satellite fuels and cryogens, expressing difficulty in finding reliable sources.
  • Another participant suggests searching for specific substances like hydrazine and liquid oxygen, noting that the cost of these fuels is generally trivial compared to overall mission costs.
  • It is mentioned that the lift cost for satellites can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per kilogram, which dominates the overall expense.
  • A participant proposes contacting commercial satellite manufacturers for ballpark figures on fuel costs, indicating that detailed information may be scarce.
  • One participant shares that hydrazine is lightweight and effective for micro thrusters, with an approximate cost of $2,000 per metric tonne, while noting potential issues with using liquid hydrogen.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of uncertainty regarding the specific costs of satellite fuels, with some agreeing that lift costs are a significant factor. However, there is no consensus on precise fuel prices or reliable sources for this information.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in available data on satellite fuel costs, with some participants acknowledging the difficulty in finding comprehensive information. The conversation also reflects a dependence on specific definitions and contexts, such as the distinction between chemical fuels and their application in space missions.

member 428835
Does anyone know how expensive satellite fuels and or cryogens are? If so, could you supply the source? If not, do you have any recommendations where I could look (I've googled and google-scholared things like "satellite fuel cost" but to no avail).

Thanks!
 
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Search on the actual substance names . Hydrazine , liquid oxygen , helium etc .

Generally though the actual cost of chemical fuels , coolants and pressurising agents is trivial compared to the other costs involved in any space mission .
 
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The cost is dominated by the lift cost of $5-10,000 per kilogram.
 
joshmccraney said:
Does anyone know how expensive satellite fuels and or cryogens are? If so, could you supply the source? If not, do you have any recommendations where I could look (I've googled and google-scholared things like "satellite fuel cost" but to no avail).

Thanks!

Not going to be a lot of information out there, especially for some fuels. Why not email the public relations division of a commercial satellite manufacturer like Space Systems/Loral. They might be able to share a ball park figure with you.
 
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joshmccraney said:
Does anyone know how expensive satellite fuels and or cryogens are? If so, could you supply the source? If not, do you have any recommendations where I could look (I've googled and google-scholared things like "satellite fuel cost" but to no avail).
Can you say why you are asking? Are you looking at making your own small-scale liquid-fueled rocket? Have you experimented with solid fuel hobby rocketry in the past? :smile:
 
Thanks for the responses!

hahaha Berkeman, I'm afraid I'm not nearly that cool:frown:

I'm writing a grant proposal and this would be helpful information. It's not necessary, but it would be nice to know. The proposal relates to capillary fluids in low-g environments, so not rocketry. Thanks for the response though!
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
The cost is dominated by the lift cost of $5-10,000 per kilogram.
Can you provide a citation for this info?
 
joshmccraney said:
Can you provide a citation for this info?

Google cost per kilogram to LEO. 325,000 results.
 
Once a satellite is in orbit, it can in some cases be reconfigured when needed by short burns of micro thrusters.
Typically these use Hydrazine, which gives a lot of bang for the buck and is fairly light weight.
Hydrazine of itself-is not really expensive, a quick googled revealed industrial suppliers at around $2000 for a metric tonne.
Liquid hydrogen could be used, but that has problems with containment.
 

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