Catalyst for decomposing hydrazine and propulsion unit using the same

PURPOSE:To obtain a light-weight and high-efficient decomposition catalyst with long life by forming a carrier layer comprising gypsite on the surface of a honeycomb structure body, depositing iridium on the carrier layer to constitute a catalyst for decomposition of hydrazine, and then connecting this catalyst member as a rear member to a catalyst member containing a granular catalyst for decomposition of hydrazine as a front member. CONSTITUTION:A carrier layer 3 comprising gypsite is formed on the surface of a ceramic honeycomb structure body 2, on which iridium 4 is deposited to constitute a catalyst 1 for decomposition of hydrazine. This catalyst member as a rear catalyst member is connected to a catalyst member containing a granular catalyst for decomposition of hydrazine as a front member to obtain a reaction member. Namely, by forming the catalyst using a honeycomb structure body, high-efficient and low-loss catalyst is realized and the catalyst is made light in weight. In the propulsion unit using this catalyst of a honeycomb structure, pressure loss is small and fast flow rate is obtd. Further, even when the front member is broken to produce dust, the dust passes through the honeycomb and causes not chalking so that the catalyst has a long life.