Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion (MVP) - CubeSat Propulsion System with Inert Polymer Propellant
Session
Session 3: Advanced Technologies I
Abstract
CUA has developed an electrothermal thruster which consumes an inert polymer propellant fiber. This technology retains performance characteristics competitive with other warm gas systems, but enables more accessibility to micropropulsion via dramatically reduced cost and the elimination of range safety concerns. CUA’s Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion (MVP) draws from extrusion 3D printer technology to feed and melt polymer propellant in preparation for evaporation and heating up to 1100K using CUA’s micro-resistojet technology. Despite undergoing depolymerization and two separate phase changes, the system power requirements are manageable, demonstrating typical specific thrusts of 0.16 mN/W, and a maximum specific impulse in excess of 100 s. 1U system performance exceeds 500 N-s total impulse.
Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion (MVP) - CubeSat Propulsion System with Inert Polymer Propellant
CUA has developed an electrothermal thruster which consumes an inert polymer propellant fiber. This technology retains performance characteristics competitive with other warm gas systems, but enables more accessibility to micropropulsion via dramatically reduced cost and the elimination of range safety concerns. CUA’s Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion (MVP) draws from extrusion 3D printer technology to feed and melt polymer propellant in preparation for evaporation and heating up to 1100K using CUA’s micro-resistojet technology. Despite undergoing depolymerization and two separate phase changes, the system power requirements are manageable, demonstrating typical specific thrusts of 0.16 mN/W, and a maximum specific impulse in excess of 100 s. 1U system performance exceeds 500 N-s total impulse.
