Session
Technical Session XI: Propulsion
Abstract
Colloid propulsion can provide flexible electric propulsion systems capable of delivering both high thrust density and high specific impulse at low power demand. It thus has wide applicability over a range of missions; from end of life de-orbit devices to sophisticated formation flying or disturbance compensation systems. Because of the low system demands colloid propulsion is particularly applicable to small satellites. Scalable micro-fabricated colloid thrusters allow many options: The total thrust available is simply a function of the number of nozzles and, for a given propellant the specific impulse is a function of the acceleration potential. We outline a nano-satellite micro propulsion system in support of a concept proposed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), and demonstrated with their SNAP-1 nano-satellite mission. In the proposed target mission the nano-satellite co-flies with a micro satellite in low Earth orbit. The micro-fabricated propulsion system has multiple thrust heads which in the present concept gives full 6 degree of freedom control using appropriately positioned thrust heads each capable of delivering 100 micro Newton. The overall system mass is 524g with an orbit average power demand of less than 0.1W.
Presentation Slides
A MEMS Based Experimental Colloid Thruster Package for Nano Satellites
Colloid propulsion can provide flexible electric propulsion systems capable of delivering both high thrust density and high specific impulse at low power demand. It thus has wide applicability over a range of missions; from end of life de-orbit devices to sophisticated formation flying or disturbance compensation systems. Because of the low system demands colloid propulsion is particularly applicable to small satellites. Scalable micro-fabricated colloid thrusters allow many options: The total thrust available is simply a function of the number of nozzles and, for a given propellant the specific impulse is a function of the acceleration potential. We outline a nano-satellite micro propulsion system in support of a concept proposed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), and demonstrated with their SNAP-1 nano-satellite mission. In the proposed target mission the nano-satellite co-flies with a micro satellite in low Earth orbit. The micro-fabricated propulsion system has multiple thrust heads which in the present concept gives full 6 degree of freedom control using appropriately positioned thrust heads each capable of delivering 100 micro Newton. The overall system mass is 524g with an orbit average power demand of less than 0.1W.
