Session
Technical Session X: Mission Enabling Technologies II
Abstract
This paper presents a number of MEMS-based micropropulsion components for small spacecraft. First a description of four components, all integral parts of the cold gas micropropulsion system custom designed for the Prisma satellites (launched June 2010). One of the most complex miniaturised micropropulsion components on board Prisma is the MEMS thruster chip, comprising four microthrusters integrated in a six-silicon-wafer package weighing only 4 grams. Proportional MEMS thruster valves and internal gas heaters are key integral parts of the thruster chip, providing μN-to-mN thrust in four orthogonal directions. Other MEMS components on Prisma are: a MEMS isolation valve, a MEMS pressure relief valve, and a MEMS pressure sensor. Hereafter, further developments of the MEMS components are presented, e.g. implementation of closed-loop thrust control on the MEMS thruster chip and proportional valves for ion engines to regulate xenon in the 5-50 μg/s regime with a 0.2 μg/s resolution. Finally, a concept of a completely miniaturised propulsion system intended for CubeSat applications is shown. All components are good examples of how extreme mass savings can be achieved by using MEMS technology, and by integrating several components and functionalities into one common chip or housing, which is of special interest for small spacecraft missions.
Presentation Slides
MEMS Micropropulsion Components for Small Spacecraft
This paper presents a number of MEMS-based micropropulsion components for small spacecraft. First a description of four components, all integral parts of the cold gas micropropulsion system custom designed for the Prisma satellites (launched June 2010). One of the most complex miniaturised micropropulsion components on board Prisma is the MEMS thruster chip, comprising four microthrusters integrated in a six-silicon-wafer package weighing only 4 grams. Proportional MEMS thruster valves and internal gas heaters are key integral parts of the thruster chip, providing μN-to-mN thrust in four orthogonal directions. Other MEMS components on Prisma are: a MEMS isolation valve, a MEMS pressure relief valve, and a MEMS pressure sensor. Hereafter, further developments of the MEMS components are presented, e.g. implementation of closed-loop thrust control on the MEMS thruster chip and proportional valves for ion engines to regulate xenon in the 5-50 μg/s regime with a 0.2 μg/s resolution. Finally, a concept of a completely miniaturised propulsion system intended for CubeSat applications is shown. All components are good examples of how extreme mass savings can be achieved by using MEMS technology, and by integrating several components and functionalities into one common chip or housing, which is of special interest for small spacecraft missions.
