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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Development of an Inductively coupled electromagnetic thruster (ICE) for CubeSat propulsion. Key activities include the measurement and characterization of the thrust of an optimized ICE thruster under various modes of operation and the design, construction and testing of an appropriate PPU for the thruster.
The ICE thruster can readily support the following areas: Station-keeping or maintenance of particular orbital locations relative to the Earth, other spacecraft (as in constellations), or other bodies (such as an asteroid); Ability to make modest changes in orbital altitude including deorbit maneuvers; Ability to rendezvous and dock with other large or small spacecraft; Orientation control and pointing capabilities of greater precision or responsiveness than possible with current non-propulsive techniques; Ability to make large changes in orbital altitude or inclination including escape trajectories.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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