Four Thruster Microfluidic Electrospray Propulsion (MEP) Cubesat Board Demonstration, Year 2

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 3)

Description

A cubesat Microfluidic Electrospray Propulsion (MEP) system module prototype will be designed, built and demonstrated. This system is under development to deliver >1000 m/s of delta-V to a three unit cubesat with less than 80 grams of solid indium propellant. It will include 4 prototype MEP thrusters and a power processing unit with a dry mass less than 100 grams.

Benefits

This technology will enable highly controllable Cubesats with extraordinary delta-V capability for defense satellite and interplanetary probes.

Details

Technology area	Propulsion Systems > Electric Space Propulsion > Electrostatic Propulsion
Program	Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF (JPL CIF)
Lead organization	Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Start date	2012-10-01
End date	2013-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Colleen M Marrese-reading — colleen.m.marrese-reading@jpl.nasa.gov
David G Conroy — david.g.conroy@jpl.nasa.gov
Jarrett C Mueller
L C Johnson

How to get involved

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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.