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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The primary objective of this project was to develop a high performance, iodine-fueled mini RF ion thruster. The second objective was to demonstrate a complementary propellant storage and feed system that are compatible with CubeSat form factors. A 3 cm thruster was shown to run both Iodine or Xenon. The system provides for a 3 cm dia. RF-Ion thruster using solar electric propulsion, and Iodine (initially solid) as propellant, low pressure, high impulse, and low thrust. (Thruster using Xenon is at TRL 5.)
Exploring the solar system with small, low-cost robotic vehicles as precursors for human missions or science missions will benefit from these technologies The iodine BIT-3 thruster enables small satellites to fly beyond earth orbit and can be used in close proximity operations. Potential NASA applications include missions to the moon, inner planets and asteroids.
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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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