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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
I propose to apply a novel combination of physics-based modeling, optimal design, and rapid prototyping to increase the state of the art (SOA) power level of electrospray thrusters by an order of magnitude from 10 W to 200 W. 100-200 W electric thrusters are ideally suited to support small-satellite class missions, which are receiving increased attention from NASA for their ability to provide worthwhile science returns at low cost. However, SOA electric thrusters have faced trouble accessing this regime. Hall and ion thrusters , for example, suffer poor performance in this range. Electrospray propulsion, a priority technology for NASA[1],offers transformative potential to address this gap but requires further development to overcome design challenges associated with manufacturing uncertainty and identifying optimal designs. To that end, this work will explore novel design methodologies that leverage both predictive modeling and experiment.
Electrospray propulsion is a priority technology for NASA. This work will explore novel design methodologies that leverage both predictive modeling and experiments.
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