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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Multimode micropropulsion (MM) is the use of two or more distinct types of propulsion in a single device, and is a promising technology for addressing the needs of CubeSats and other microsatellites. MM thrusters typically combine a high thrust mode (usually chemical) and high specific impulse mode (usually electric) into a single propulsion device. MM can enable new missions for microsatellites, offers improved mission flexibility, and allows for more efficient trajectories than traditional propulsion concepts under some circumstances. While the benefits of MM are well established, adverse interactions between the different modes in multimode microthrusters have not been studied in detail, and may result in difficulties when integrating the two modes into a MM device. In the proposed research, the interactions between the chemical and electric modes in a combined chemical microtube and electrospray microthruster will be investigated. Key questions about how the modes interact have been identified, and a detailed research plan has been developed to address them. One example of a potential adverse interaction is secondary chemical reactions after the chemical mode is stopped that may impede subsequent operation of the electrospray mode. This study would be the first of its kind to investigate mode interactions in MM, and will serve to increase confidence in the MM concept and to inform the design of a practical multimode microthruster.
This study would be the first of its kind to investigate mode interactions in MM, and will serve to increase confidence in the MM concept and to inform the design of a practical multimode microthruster.
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