Developing a Sustainable Biofuel Industry for Aerospace and Aviation: A Roadmap to Market Viability
Journal
38th IAA Symposium on Space Policy, Regulations and Economics
Publisher
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Gómez Falcón, Liliana
Montiel Viruel, Vanessa
Sumbarda Ramos, Emigdia Guadalupe
Xingu, Estefania
Us, Dilain
Huitron, Montserrat
Type
text::conference output::conference proceedings
Abstract
The growing urgency to reduce carbon emissions in the aerospace and aviation industries has created a strong demand for sustainable fuel alternatives. Renewable biofuels offer a viable solution, providing both environmental benefits and economic opportunities. One promising approach is the use of Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA), a refining process capable of producing renewable diesel, commonly known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and a bio-based version of Rocket Propellant-1 (bio-RP-1) for space applications. This study presents a roadmap for establishing a biofuel business that generates early revenue while advancing technical feasibility and regulatory approval, focusing on Mexico and Latin America as emerging biofuel hubs. The strategy unfolds over 36 months in four phases. The first stage prioritizes immediate revenue generation through HVO sales to transportation fleets and government agencies while offering consultancy and oil pre-treatment services to industries producing waste oils. Simultaneously, research refines HEFA processing techniques, optimizes feedstock sources—including used cooking oil (UCO), animal fats, and agro-industrial byproducts—and develops a commercially viable business model. The second phase shifts toward SAF production, ensuring compliance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7566 certification and initiating test programs with airlines. Further expansion includes refining bio-RP-1, adapting HEFA-derived kerosene for high-performance rocket propulsion. This phase emphasizes advanced distillation techniques, aromatic content regulation, and collaborations with aerospace startups for preliminary engine tests. The final stage focuses on scaling biofuel production, obtaining regulatory certifications, and securing longterm agreements with airlines, space agencies, and private launch providers. Revenue streams include HVO sales, SAF exports leveraging sustainability incentives, and bio-RP-1 integration in the clean space propulsion market. This research highlights the financial feasibility of biofuels by aligning commercialization efforts with technological milestones. Immediate income from HVO ensures financial stability while SAF certification progresses, facilitating a smoother transition to full-scale commercialization. The integration of bio-RP-1 into the business model distinguishes this approach, addressing the demand for environmentally friendly fuels in orbital and suborbital launch systems. Ultimately, this roadmap demonstrates that biofuels can establish a profitable and sustainable energy industry, positioning Mexico and Latin America as key contributors to clean aviation and spaceflight. Future research will refine process efficiency, expand viable feedstocks, and secure investment to accelerate the transition from aviation fuels to space-grade biopropellants, ensuring long-term environmental and economic resilience. ©The authors © IAF 2006-2026 all rights reserved.
License
Acceso Restringido
How to cite
Gómez Falcón, L., Montiel Viruel, V., Sumbarda Ramos, E. G., Xingu, E., Us, D., & Huitron, M. (2025). Developing a Sustainable Biofuel Industry for Aerospace and Aviation: A Roadmap to Market Viability. In 38th IAA Symposium on Space Policy, Regulations and Economics (pp. 353–361). International Astronautical Federation (IAF). 38th IAA Symposium on Space Policy, Regulations and Economics, Held at the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025). https://doi.org/10.52202/083099-0033