Abstract: A catalyst is provided for decomposing hydrazine base monopropellants and providing multiple hydrazine-ignition restarts. The catalyst comprises a carrier material selected from the group consisting of high area ceramics, and 1/2 to 8% of active iridium, ruthenium, or mixtures thereof, based on the total weight of the catalyst. The active metal is deposited primarily on the exterior surface of the carrier. A second metal catalyst can be contained primarily within the interior of the carrier.The method of producing the catalyst comprises impregnating the carrier with an alcohol solution containing a salt of iridium, ruthenium, or a mixture thereof, to deposit the metal on the exterior surface only of the carrier. The precious metal is reduced to an active pure metal by contact with a fluid reducing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and hydrogen-inert gas mixtures.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte in combination with support or coolant plates fabricated from a polymer/metal composite, such as polysulfone/nickel, is described. The plates are relatively inexpensive, easily fabricated, have good thermal conductivity, low electrical resistance, and good structural stability.