Performance testing of a microfabricated propulsion system for nanosatellite applications

There is a growing interest in the use of micro and nanosatellites within the aerospace community. Constellations of small satellites may eventually replace much larger, single function spacecraft as a cheaper, more flexible alternative. Micro-technologies will be required to enable small satellite missions including efficient, low-cost propulsion systems for maneuvering. A MEMS fabricated propulsion system has been developed for maneuvers on an upcoming University nanosatellite mission. The Free Molecule Micro-Resistojet (FMMR) is an electrothermal propulsion system designed for on-orbit maneuvers of nanosatellites, which are defined as spacecraft with an initial mass less than 10 kg. The FMMR has been tested using a torsion force balance to assess its performance using a variety of propellants including helium, argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The experimental performance results compare favorably with results obtained from gas kinetic theory, which were used in the design phase to estimate the thruster’s performance. The measured performance of the FMMR in this study has proven to be adequate to perform attitude control maneuvers for the University nanosatellite mission. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)