Speaker
Description
Driven by advancements in electronics and manufacturing, microsatellites have become increasingly capable and popular in recent years, driving down the cost to access space. However, propulsion systems have not evolved in tandem with these microsatellites, leading to many being launched without the necessary propulsion for orbital maintenance, interplanetary travel, and other critical operations. Our research details the development of an additively manufactured electrospray propulsion system that fits within the size and budget constraints of modern microsatellites. We fabricated electrospray thrusters using stereolithography 3D printers, a cost-effective alternative to the MEMS manufacturing methods typically used. These thrusters were found to have an average tip diameter—a marker of thruster efficiency—of approximately 25 𝜇m, a fivefold improvement on additively manufactured electrospray thrusters previously reported in the literature. We also document the successful copper electroplating of additively manufactured electrospray thrusters, a possible gateway to improved thrust and efficiency. Preliminary results on the thrust generated by our additively manufactured electrospray thrusters compared to typical MEMS-manufactured ones will also be reported. These findings confirm both the feasibility and possible advantages of additively manufacturing an electrospray propulsion system.
