Dark is conducting dynamic fluid tests at ONERA Mascotte to characterize the behavior of our orbital propellants under mission-representative conditions.

🔬 Feed system in focus at ONERA - The French Aerospace Lab 🔬

Dark is conducting dynamic fluid tests at ONERA Mascotte to characterize the behavior of our orbital propellants under mission-representative conditions.

We are using green propellants - ethane and nitrous oxide - selected for their performance and their self-pressurizing behavior, used to simplify our feed system architecture. But unlocking that simplicity requires a deep physical understanding, which is the goal of this campaign.

Current tests focus on key aspects of the feed system behavior:

• Two-phase flow across different piping configurations

• Mass flow stability and injector dynamic responses

• Tank depletion dynamics between thrust cycles

• Compatibility of commercial valves and flow control components

The setup mirrors the spacecraft’s architecture, minus ignition, and supports the refinement of system logic ahead of hot-fire testing. This phase is part of the HADES program’s path toward demonstrating controlled, repeatable interception in orbit.

Appreciation to the ONERA team for their support as we continue to de-risk core systems. Integrated thruster tests are next.

Link to the Linkedin Post : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/darkaerospace_feed-system-in-focus-at-onera-the-french-activity-7310933751876759552-2fHu?