**2.4 Dual capability catalytic effect with ADN-based propellants**

The catalytic effect on the ADN-based propellant has been proven with the same catalyst as in the hydrazine thruster. In the TCA, in which the chemical reaction converts the liquid propellant to the necessary high energy gases, there is need for a catalyst to induce such an ignition reaction. In laboratory thermochemical tests, it has been proven that the same iridium catalyst, which decomposes hydrazine, has a definite catalytic effect on the ADN-based propellant.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis has revealed an exothermal peak around 150°C in addition to the endothermic peak around 85°C of ADN melting and the thermal decomposition at 190°C. The peak around 150°C is attributable to the catalytic effect of heated iridium-based catalyst, which does not appear at low temperatures [34]. This has also been found in previously published works [35–38]. Ignition tests with DSC analysis, such as depicted in **Figure 4**, demonstrate this effect.
