ECAPS and ISE Collaborate to Demonstrate Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Powered by ECAPS Advanced High-Performance Propellant LMP-103S
Location : Stockholm, Sweden / Port Coquitlam, Canada —Date : 29.07.2025
ECAPS and ISE Collaborate to Demonstrate Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Powered by ECAPS
Advanced High-Performance Propellant LMP-103S
ECAPS AB, a Swedish propulsion company, and International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE), a Canadian leader in unmanned underwater systems, are pleased to announce a collaborative demonstration of a high-performance Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) based on ECAPS’ LMP-103S liquid propellant.
ISE AUV during sea‑trial operations in British Columbia – Photo © International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (Canada).
The APU is an evolution of ECAPS’ proven space propulsion technology, where LMP-103S has been successfully flown on multiple satellite missions. Now, ECAPS is extending the application of this propellant to deliver thermal energy up to 1100°C for auxiliary and onboard power. The formulation has been validated through five successful ground tests and is designed to support extended-duration, high-energy missions in challenging operational environments.
ECAPS 22 N FAST modular engine validating gas‑generator temperatures – Photo © ECAPS AB
LMP-103S is a storable monopropellant formulation that includes its own oxidizing agent, enabling combustion in the absence of atmospheric oxygen. This property makes it highly suitable for operation in vacuum, underwater, or other oxygen-deprived environments, offering a distinct performance advantage in autonomous and high-energy systems.
“We’re taking our flight‑proven LMP‑103S propellant from orbit to ocean. This demonstration shows how the same chemistry can recharge batteries, extend range and deliver burst power — all in one compact package.” - Odysseas Christofi, Chief Executive Officer, ECAPS
The demonstration, scheduled for Q3–Q4 2026 in British Columbia, Canada, will be led by ECAPS and conducted in collaboration with ISE. ECAPS’ APU will be integrated into an existing underwater drone platform provided by ISE, with only minor alignment and optimization required. The goal is to validate system performance in a real-world setting, demonstrating onboard battery recharging, extended operational endurance, and increased energy availability for higher-speed or power-demanding operations.
“ISE has always been focused on mission driven performance and innovation,” said Lara Smith, CEO of International Submarine Engineering Ltd. "We are excited to collaborate with ECAPS to validate this APU technology, recognizing its tremendous potential to enhance the mission capabilities of autonomous underwater platforms."
This demonstration represents a step forward in applying high-performance liquid propellant systems beyond orbit, into terrestrial and near-space domains where compact energy solutions are increasingly critical.
About ECAPS
ECAPS AB, founded in 2000 and based in Sweden, is a recognized leader in high-performance liquid propellant propulsion systems. The company developed LMP-103S, high-energy monopropellant that has flown on multiple spacecraft with an accumulated 176 years of time in orbit and a 15-year flight heritage, and is now being adapted for use in auxiliary power units, thermal systems, and compact energy platforms operating in oxygen-deprived environments.
About ISE
International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE), headquartered on Canada’s west coast in British Columbia, with an east coast office in Nova Scotia, has been a pioneer and global leader since 1974 in designing and manufacturing advanced underwater systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and human-occupied vehicles (HOVs). Renowned for its industry-leading expertise, ISE delivers innovative solutions to government, defense, commercial, and scientific clients worldwide.
Media Contacts:
ECAPS AB
info@ecaps.se
International Submarine Engineering Ltd.
info@ise.bc.ca
