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Development Testing of a 100mN Green Propellant Thruster for Cubesat Propulsion
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Description
The overall objective of the proposed effort is to further develop chemical propulsion capability for small sats and CubeSats by maturing a high_performing, green monopropellant (LMP-103S) thruster assembly from a TRL 3 to TRL 5. Early efforts for this activity will involve setup of the facilities for the LMP_103S propellant. These efforts will run concurrently with JPL's procurement of the thruster hardware from the Vacco vendor. Following integration of the thruster into the existing test facilities at MSFC, the test team will perform check_out testing and subsequent hot_fire testing of the thruster.
Benefits
Prove out a high-performing green propellant thruster for a CubeSat or small-sat for future missions.
Details
| Technology area | Propulsion Systems > Electric Space Propulsion > Electrostatic Propulsion |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL |
| Start date | 2015-10-01 |
| End date | 2016-09-30 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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