Monopropellant Thrusters for Cubesats

ABSTRACT:Ogden Engineering & Associates, LLC (OE&A) and its teaming partners are proposing to develop a 0.5 to 1U high performance, green propulsion system using an ionic liquid monopropellant. This HAN/HGF based monopropellant has enhanced ignition characteristics and, as a result, can be used in power-constrained CubeSat applications. The team will develop a propulsion system which incorporates a low cost, low pressure feed system (for maximum propellant volume utilization) and a micropump-fed thruster. The Phase I technical objectives include optimizing catalyst preheat temperatures, developing a 1N-class or less thruster, and developing the preliminary design of CubeSat propellant feed and control subsystems. The result will be a highly capable CubeSat propulsion system. Successful demonstration of the green monopropellant with its high specific gravity and reduced toxicity will reduce the industrys dependence on hydrazine-based monopropellants as well as overcome the operational difficulties surrounding AF-M315E and its high light-off temperature in CubeSat applications. This development will greatly reduce environmental and health risks to operations and maintenance personnel, and therefore reduce acquisition and operational costs associated with CubeSat propulsion systems while enabling missions not possible today. BENEFIT:Successful demonstration of a micro-pump fed ionic liquid thruster will improve CubeSat performance through reduced power consumption while increasing performance. Low-pressure liquid propulsion technologies can maximize propellant volume utilization. Successful development of a green monopropellant based thruster and system will greatly reduce environmental and health risks to operations and maintenance personnel, and therefore reduce acquisition and operational costs associated with CubeSat propulsion systems.