SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Green monopropellants have numerous performance and handling benefits over conventional propellants such as hydrazine. Many are derived from Ionic Liquids (IL) and are therefore well suited for use in electrospray electric propulsion systems. This affords the possibility of a multi-mode propulsion (MMP) capability, where both chemical and electric thrusters share a common propellant. Recently, Busek became the first to operate an electrospray thruster in space via the NASA ST7/ESA Pathfinder mission. Busek is also a leader in developing novel green monopropellant thrusters and is therefore poised to create and demonstrate MMP systems. Busek proposes to address presently gating challenges associated with electrospray-MMP systems. In Phase I, high thrust density emitters were developed and operated at unprecedented power levels up to 7.3W. Building on Phase I lessons learned, an inline propellant processing unit will be developed to both appropriately distribute the liquid phase propellant and provide electrical isolation. Phase I identified numerous unique challenges and subtleties associated with the chosen propellant which will be rigorously addressed in Phase II.Furthermore, the technology will be scaled towards a high power, ~30W system capable of being operated end-to-end with Buseks existing green monopropellant compatible tanks and valves.
