Structurally Embedded Electrospray Thruster for Orbital Debris Reduction Through Enhanced Small Satellite Maneuverability

Perform a feasibility study on the use of embedded electrospray thruster (EET) technology as a small-satellite orbital debris reduction tool. The study includes direct measurements of performance of an EET prototype, with results used in astrodynamics simulations investigating the application to end-of-life (EOL) de-orbit or disposal and collision avoidance. The outcome of this work is a summary of the size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) penalty for using the EET technology as an orbital debris reduction tool for mission in all Earth orbits, ranging from LEO through to GEO.nbsp;Objectives:nbsp;nbsp;Directly measure performance of a prototype EETDetermine SWAP penalties for application to EOL de-orbit / disposalEstimate advanced warning time required to implement collision avoidance maneuversPredict embedded electrospray thruster technology impact using hypothetical mission scenariosReport on SWaP-C penalty for implementing EETs as an orbital debris reduction toolFindings from Objectives 1-4 will be reported in a single Phase I Final Report detailing SWaP-C penalty and orbital debris reduction potential of the EET technology. The report will demonstrate that the EET thruster component has achieved TRL 5 and will propose follow-on development for a Phase II SBIR study to raise the TRL level of the complete EET system, including power processing unit (PPU) to TRL 6.nbsp;nbsp;