S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...

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Main Performance of Solid Propellant Motors
Thrust level: 50 N (for e.g. spin-up/down of small satellites) ≤ 50 000 N typical for satellite
orbit transfer applications; up to 5 ·10 6 N for launcher/spacecraft application.
Delivered impulse: ~10 Ns (F =50 N, e.g. spin-up/down of small satellites) ≤ 10 7 Ns for
satellite orbit transfer applications
Motor-spec. Impulse: ~ 2400 Ns/kg for F ≤ 50 N; ≤ 3000 Ns/kg for F ≤ 50 000 N
System-spec. Impulse: 2300 ÷ 2700 Ns/kg (~120 Ns/kg for F ≤ 50 N)
Advantages
Relatively simple operation
Very high mass fraction, excellent bulk density and packaging characteristics
Good long-term storage characteristics
Disadvantages
Not readily tested and checked-out prior to flight
Very difficult to stop and restart, throttle, pulse, etc. (hybrid)
Limited Isp performance (2400 – 3000 Ns/kg)
Limited redundancy with associated reliability and safety issues