Session
Session XII: Advanced Technologies II
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Following the successful In-Orbit-Demonstration of the first IFM Nano Thruster, a high rate production facility has been established at ENPULSION, which has delivered 2 thruster per week since opening in 2018. This paper gives a brief overview on the passively fed, metal propellant based technology which enables simple integration and manufacturing procedures. The thrusters IFM Nano Thruster and the IFM Micro Thruster are described, before a discussion of the underlying high rate production philosophy is given. The paper further details the specific implementation of the high rate approach by discussing the ENPULSION manufacturing flow.
IFM Nano Thruster Electric Space Propulsion: From First Cubesat Demonstration to the First 100 Thrusters Produced
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Following the successful In-Orbit-Demonstration of the first IFM Nano Thruster, a high rate production facility has been established at ENPULSION, which has delivered 2 thruster per week since opening in 2018. This paper gives a brief overview on the passively fed, metal propellant based technology which enables simple integration and manufacturing procedures. The thrusters IFM Nano Thruster and the IFM Micro Thruster are described, before a discussion of the underlying high rate production philosophy is given. The paper further details the specific implementation of the high rate approach by discussing the ENPULSION manufacturing flow.
