Rocket Woman: Yvonne Brill’s Hydrazine Resistojet

Yvonne Brill, a renowned rocket scientist, invented the hydrazine resistojet in 1967. This simple but revolutionary rocket engine allowed both station keeping and orbit insertion using the same hydrazine fuel. By reducing weight, the resistojet enabled increased payloads and mission life. First used in 1983, it soon became an industry standard. Brill’s resistojet invention enabled major improvements in spacecraft capabilities and competitiveness.