Simple Colloid Thruster for Generating Precise Impulse Thrust

For the Phase I effort, Busek developed a simple, integrated colloid thruster prototype capable of producing thrust of 100 µN at reasonable operating conditions. A unique geometry was chosen from several electrospraying sources tested. This thrust was conservatively estimated from measured beam current, accelerating voltage and could be significantly higher. As this was achieved from an area of less than 1 square mm, it is expected that scaling to 1 mN or even higher thrust levels is not only feasible but can be achieved in a small package suitable for micro and nanosatellite propulsion. For the Phase II effort, Busek proposes to explore the high-thrust electrospray source, characterizing its performance and exploring variants for further improvements in performance. Supporting the endeavor shall be the concurrent development of the next-generation prototype of propellant storage, valve, feed system and electronics. The Phase II program shall culminate in the delivery of an integrated, EM-like thruster system including propellant storage, valve, and feed system assembly.