Innovative Dual-Mode Engine Enhances CubeSat Propulsion
A “Green” Dual-Mode Engine is About to Give CubeSats the Best of Both Worlds
Universe Today
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Researchers at MIT have developed a dual-mode propulsion system for CubeSats that combines electrospray thrusters with a new green chemical propellant, ASCENT. This system allows for efficient long-duration travel and rapid trajectory adjustments, enabling new mission possibilities for small satellites.
- 01The new propulsion system integrates an electrospray thruster with a chemical rocket for enhanced performance.
- 02ASCENT, the new propellant, is safer than traditional hydrazine and offers a 50% increase in specific impulse.
- 03The electrospray thruster can operate for up to 100 hours using ASCENT, providing steady thrust.
- 04The upcoming Green Propulsion Dual Mode mission will test this technology with a 6U CubeSat in November.
- 05Successful demonstration could revolutionize CubeSat missions, enabling swarms of satellites to explore other solar system bodies.
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Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have introduced a groundbreaking dual-mode propulsion system for CubeSats, merging electrospray thrusters with a new green propellant known as the Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic propellant (ASCENT). Traditional chemical rockets provide powerful thrust but consume fuel rapidly, while electric propulsion systems are efficient but lack power. ASCENT, developed by the US Air Force, offers a safer alternative to hydrazine, requiring fewer handling precautions and providing a 50% increase in specific impulse. This new hybrid system allows CubeSats to utilize electrospray thrusters for efficient long-distance travel and switch to chemical propulsion for quick trajectory adjustments. The technology was tested successfully in a vacuum chamber, demonstrating the potential for sustained thrust. The upcoming Green Propulsion Dual Mode mission, scheduled for November, will further test this innovative propulsion system using a 6U CubeSat equipped with both thruster types. If successful, this could pave the way for advanced CubeSat missions, enabling exploration of Mars, Titan, and beyond.
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