Thumbnail-sized thrusters could take CubeSats to Mars
9 hours ago
- #MIT research
- #space propulsion
- #CubeSat technology
- MIT engineers developed a hybrid propulsion system for small satellites that combines chemical rockets and electric thrusters using a single fuel.
- The system uses the ionic liquid propellant ASCENT, originally designed for chemical thrusters but now adapted for electrospray thrusters, enabling both rapid maneuvers and efficient long-term travel.
- Successful lab tests showed the electrospray thrusters achieved a thrust-to-power ratio of 40–65 micronewtons per watt and ran continuously for up to 167 hours without degradation.
- A joint mission with NASA, the Green Propulsion Dual Mode CubeSat, is planned to launch this year, featuring a shared ASCENT tank for both propulsion types.
- Potential applications include deploying satellite constellations for real-time Earth observation and enabling CubeSats to reach destinations like Mars or the asteroid belt.