--- title: Products | ASCENT Monopropellant Systems description: ASCENT, developed by AFRL, is a a high-performance alternative to traditional hydrazine for missions requiring storable, responsive propulsion. image: https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-monoprop.png --- [Skip to main content](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/ascent#main-content) [![Benchmark Space Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark-Logo-ALLWHITE.png?width=160&height=38&name=Benchmark-Logo-ALLWHITE.png)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/?hsLang=en) [![Benchmark Space Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark%20Logo%20Color%20Transparent%20Background.png?width=160&height=38&name=Benchmark%20Logo%20Color%20Transparent%20Background.png)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com) - [Products](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products) - [High-Test Peroxide Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products/high-test-peroxide) - [ASCENT Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/ascent) - [Electric Propulsion Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products-electric-propulsion) - [Company](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/company) - [News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news) - [Careers](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/careers) - [Contact](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/contact-us) - [Home](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com) - [Products](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products) - [High-Test Peroxide Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products/high-test-peroxide) - [ASCENT Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/ascent) - [Electric Propulsion Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products-electric-propulsion) - [Company](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/company) - [News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news) - [Careers](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/careers) - [Contact](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/contact-us) ##### ASCENT Monopropellant Systems # Macaw For next-generation missions [Download the Data Sheet](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/ascent-data-sheet?hsLang=en) ### ASCENT Advantages Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic Monopropellant ![ascent-impulse-density](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-impulse-density.svg) 50% \> impulse density vs. hydrazine ![ascent-thermal-management](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-thermal-management.svg) No survival heating required ![ascent-safe-storage](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-safe-storage.svg) Low detonability and vapor pressure for easy handling ![ascent-prefuel-ship](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-prefuel-ship.svg) Pre-fueling & shipping from warehouse ![ascent-low-interface](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-low-interface.svg) Low-interference launch ops without SCAPE suits \+ ### 28 k ###### Seconds of Hotfire ### 10 \+ ###### Thrusters Built ### Mission Applications ![High-Thrust Application Icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/high-thrust.svg) High-thrust ![High Delta-V Application Icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/high-delta-v-1.svg) High delta-V ![ascent-tactically-responsive](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-tactically-responsive.svg) Tactically responsive ![AFRL Logo Translucent-1-1](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/AFRL%20Logo%20Translucent-1-1.png) ASCENT is developed and owned by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. ### Building the Ecosystem ![ASCENT 22N Icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-22n.svg) 22 N thruster ![ASENT gas generator icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-gas-generator.svg) Gas generator ![ASCENT RAL icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-rapid-loading.svg) Rapid ASCENT loading processes ![ASCENT scalable thrusters icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-scalable.svg) Scalable systems ![ascent-thermal-ignition](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/ascent-thermal-ignition.svg) Throughput not limited by a catalyst bed ## News and information regarding our ASCENT development: [![Benchmark Demonstrates World’s First High-Throughput ASCENT Thruster Hotfire at AFRL’s Edwards Air Force Base](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/Benchmark%20ASCENT%20Thruster%20at%20Edwards%20AFB.jpg)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/benchmark-demonstrates-worlds-first-high-throughput-ascent-thruster-hotfire-at-afrls-edwards-air-force-base?hsLang=en) [Benchmark Demonstrates World’s First ...](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/benchmark-demonstrates-worlds-first-high-throughput-ascent-thruster-hotfire-at-afrls-edwards-air-force-base?hsLang=en) [![Welcome to the Rebel Base](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/2-3.jpg)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/welcome-to-the-rebel-base?hsLang=en) [Welcome to the Rebel Base](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/welcome-to-the-rebel-base?hsLang=en) [![Press Release: Benchmark Awarded $4.9M Air Force Research Lab Contract to Scale ASCENT-Fueled Thrusters For Government Missions](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/undefined-1.jpeg)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-benchmark-awarded-4.9m-afrl-contract-to-scale-ascent-thrusters?hsLang=en) [Press Release: Benchmark Awarded $4.9M ...](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-benchmark-awarded-4.9m-afrl-contract-to-scale-ascent-thrusters?hsLang=en) ## 22 Newton Macaw Thruster Hotfire ![Macaw Testing at AFRL AFB](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alec%20and%20Macaw%20at%20Edwards%20AFB-2.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=Alec%20and%20Macaw%20at%20Edwards%20AFB-2.jpg) ![ASCENT testing at Benchmark's dessert facility](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Michael%20Wheeling%20ASCENT%20in%20Desert.jpg?width=1457&height=812&name=Michael%20Wheeling%20ASCENT%20in%20Desert.jpg) ![Macaw at AFRL Edwards AFB](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Macaw%20at%20Edwards.jpeg?width=667&height=765&name=Macaw%20at%20Edwards.jpeg) ![Macaw Testing at AFRL AFB](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alec%20and%20Macaw%20at%20Edwards%20AFB-2.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=Alec%20and%20Macaw%20at%20Edwards%20AFB-2.jpg) ![ASCENT testing at Benchmark's dessert facility](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Michael%20Wheeling%20ASCENT%20in%20Desert.jpg?width=1457&height=812&name=Michael%20Wheeling%20ASCENT%20in%20Desert.jpg) ![Macaw at AFRL Edwards AFB](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Macaw%20at%20Edwards.jpeg?width=667&height=765&name=Macaw%20at%20Edwards.jpeg) X Your browser does not support the video tag. ![7](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/7.jpeg?width=2000&height=1500&name=7.jpeg) ![ASCENT Macaw 22 N thruster hotfire](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark%20Macaw%20Hotfire-1.jpg?width=1500&height=994&name=Benchmark%20Macaw%20Hotfire-1.jpg) ![Engineers at Consoles](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Macaw%20Hotfire%20Data%20Screens%20Alec%20and%20Myk.jpg?width=1268&height=720&name=Macaw%20Hotfire%20Data%20Screens%20Alec%20and%20Myk.jpg) ![7](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/7.jpeg?width=2000&height=1500&name=7.jpeg) ![ASCENT Macaw 22 N thruster hotfire](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark%20Macaw%20Hotfire-1.jpg?width=1500&height=994&name=Benchmark%20Macaw%20Hotfire-1.jpg) ![Engineers at Consoles](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Macaw%20Hotfire%20Data%20Screens%20Alec%20and%20Myk.jpg?width=1268&height=720&name=Macaw%20Hotfire%20Data%20Screens%20Alec%20and%20Myk.jpg) X Your browser does not support the video tag. 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[Contact Us](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) [![Benchmark Space Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/Benchmark-Logo-ALLWHITE.png)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/?hsLang=en) Designing and manufacturing propulsion systems for responsive, sustainable in-space operations. ![US-United-States-Flag-icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/US-United-States-Flag-icon.png?width=40&height=40&name=US-United-States-Flag-icon.png) - [![Benchmark LinkedIn Icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/LinkedIn%20Letter%20Only%20white.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/11211483/) - [![Benchmark X Icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/X%20Letter%20Only%20white.png)](https://x.com/BenchmarkSpace) ### PRODUCTS [High-Test Peroxide Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products/high-test-peroxide?hsLang=en)[ASCENT Monopropellant Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products-ascent-monopropellant-systems?hsLang=en) [Electric Propulsion Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products-electric-propulsion-systems?hsLang=en) [All Products](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/all-propulsion-products?hsLang=en) ### INFORMATION [Careers](https://benchmark-space-systems-inc.breezy.hr/)[News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news-updates?hsLang=en) [Company Info](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/benchmark-space-systems-about?hsLang=en) [Supplier T&Cs](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/Benchmark%20Space%20Systems%20Standard%20Terms%20and%20Conditions%20April%202026.pdf?hsLang=en) 128 LAKESIDE AVE, BLDG 21 | BURLINGTON, VT 05401 USA | ©2026 Benchmark Space Systems | All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : [ { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Burlington", "addressRegion" : "VT", "postalCode" : "05401", "streetAddress" : "128 Lakeside Avenue, Building 21" }, { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Pleasanton", "addressRegion" : "CA", "postalCode" : "94566", "streetAddress" : "1075 Serpentine Lane, Unit A" } ], "description" : "Benchmark Space Systems delivers proven in-space propulsion, including High-Test Peroxide systems, ASCENT monopropellant systems, and electric propulsion systems, with 15+ missions launched, less than 12 months concept to delivery, 75+ team members, and 87% of working days spent hotfiring in 2026.", "email" : "Sales@Benchmark-Space.com", "foundingDate" : "2017", "logo" : "https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark%20Logo%20Color%20Transparent%20Background.png", "name" : "Benchmark Space Systems", "numberOfEmployees" : { "@type" : "QuantitativeValue", "minValue" : 75 }, "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/11211483/", "https://x.com/BenchmarkSpace" ], "url" : "https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Product", "additionalProperty" : [ { "@type" : "PropertyValue", "name" : "Thruster", "value" : "Macaw, 22 N" }, { "@type" : "PropertyValue", "name" : "Impulse Density vs. Hydrazine", "value" : "50%+ greater" }, { "@type" : "PropertyValue", "name" : "Thrusters Built", "value" : "10+" }, { "@type" : "PropertyValue", "name" : "Hotfire Seconds", "value" : "28000" }, { "@type" : "PropertyValue", "name" : "Technology Developer", "value" : "U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)" } ], "brand" : { "@type" : "Brand", "name" : "Benchmark Space Systems" }, "category" : "Non-Toxic Monopropellant Propulsion System", "description" : "ASCENT, developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is a high-performance, non-toxic alternative to hydrazine for missions requiring storable, responsive propulsion. 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