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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The objective of this research is to design, verify, and experimentally characterize a bimodal ion-chemical thruster system (BITS) that combines chemical and electric propulsion into a single, unified system with common propellant. This is made possible by new innovations in ""green propellant"" as less-toxic replacements to hydrazine, that allow for the same propellant to be used in both monopropellant and electrospray thrusters. BITS will allow for small spacecraft to have access to a wide range of thrust and specific impulse propulsion while minimizing the propulsion system's mass and volume.
Three primary research objectives are identified in this proposal: to investigate the performance of novel ionic liquid monopropellants, to design an efficient propellant management system to minimize mass and volume, and to optimize the external placement of all thrusters to maximize spacecraft maneuverability. The proposed research builds upon previous work from the Space Propulsion Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology while substantially expanding its breadth and depth. The proposed solution involves analytically and experimentally characterizing the performance of ionic liquid monopropellants, selecting a top candidate, and engineering a single propellant management system taking into account factors such as pressure conditioning and electrical isolation.
Completion of this work will promote space technology by introducing a new propulsion system for small spacecraft that improves maneuverability, propulsion efficiency, mission flexibility, and system handling costs. BITS can then be used as a tool for NASA and other organizations to advance scientific research in multiple mission areas.
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