Ecaps received a contract from the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB) to begin development of an environmentally friendly control system for a technology demonstration satellite, Volvo Aero announced June 13.

Ecaps, owned by Volvo Aero and Swedish Space Corp., will design a monopropellant propulsion system for the satellite’s guidance and navigation control system. The use of safer propellants is designed to reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying the handling procedures for the fuel. The satellite is scheduled for launch in 2008.

The contract follows a research and development program performed under contracts with the SNSB and the European Space Agency in which Ecaps developed a high-performance monopropellant fuel and corresponding engine.