Electrospray thrusters for small spacecraft

What is it about?

This publication is about a miniature propulsion system that could allow small spacecraft to drive themselves around the solar system. The idea is to take a conductive liquid and electrically create a spray of high velocity particles from the tip of a capillary. In this work, we discuss a two-stage electrode, capable of boosting the performance of the system in several ways.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Electric propulsion has been around for years, but in most cases the thrusters are too big to fit in small spacecraft. Alternatively, small electric thrusters generally don't consume their propellant efficiently enough to "go anywhere". They can adjust their position, but can't change orbit or visit outer space. We hope to provide a technology that closes this gap, bringing a certain democratization in space exploration and giving a piece of the pie to universities and small organisations.