With the very large growth in interest in micro (<100 kg) and nano (<10 kg) satellites, there comes a need for spacecraft of this size to be more capable, fully outfitted with all subsystems that would be expected of larger satellites. One such subsystem is the propulsion unit, which has traditionally not been utilized on such satellites, or if it is included it is of a type which sacrifices performance for ease of use. In the last five years this though has changed with a large amount of competing systems being introduced, both of electric and chemical propulsion types.
This talk will introduce the requirements of these satellites, and what the propulsion system needs to do. It will be demonstrated that typical propulsion systems for larger satellites are not suitable for smaller satellites, and this is driving exciting innovative solutions for what is very soon to become the dominant type of spacecraft. Options for these small form factor satellites will be discussed, in particular electrospray thrusters, and green chemical propellant thrusters.
This AE590 seminar will be held on Tuesday rather than Monday to accommodate an international speaker.
