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Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
This project further develops a multi-functional SmallSat technology for low-power attitude control of picosatellites beyond low Earth orbit. The film-evaporation MEMS tunable array (FEMTA) concept utilizes a green propellant and microscale effects in fluid surface tension and advanced MEMS microfabrication to achieve thrust under 0.1 W of power and within 0.1 U total system volume. Interplanetary CubeSats can utilize FEMTA for high slew rate attitude corrections in addition to desaturating reaction wheels. The FEMTA in cooling mode can be used for thermal control during high-power communication events, which are likely to accompany the attitude correction.
Once developed, interplanetary CubeSats or picosatellites can utilize FEMTA's low-power attitude control for high slew rate attitude corrections in addition to desaturating reaction wheels. The FEMTA in cooling mode can be used for thermal control during high-power communication events, which are likely to accompany the attitude correction.
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