## Facility Design and Operation The vacuum distillation facility came online successfully. The system uses a rotary vane vacuum pump and a jacketed glass distillation column with precise temperature control. Material selection was critical due to HTP corrosivity and reactivity—stainless steel main vessel, glass distillation column, and specialized seals and gaskets. ## Vacuum System Principles A rotary vane pump reduces pressure to approximately 10 millibars. At this reduced pressure, HTP boils at much lower temperature than at atmospheric pressure—critical because HTP decomposes at elevated temperature. Operating under vacuum maintains low temperature for clean separation from water and impurities while preventing decomposition. ## First Production Run The first production run succeeded, yielding 2 liters of 85% pure HTP from 5 liters of commercial 49.5% HTP. Yield is lower than ideal but purity is outstanding. Process parameters can be optimized to improve yield and reduce energy consumption over time. The facility is compact, fitting in a corner of the laboratory, and produces adequate volume (several liters per week) for the testing program. ## Program Impact The facility provides independence from external suppliers and complete control over HTP quality and quantity. Regular operation builds supply of high-purity propellant for reliable thruster testing.