PRECISE - Development of a MEMS-based monopropellant micro Chemical Propulsion System

Abstract

PRECISE focuses on the research and development of a MEMS-based monopropellant micro Chemical Propulsion System (µCPS) for highly accurate attitude control of satellites.The availability of µCPS forms the basis for defining new mission concepts such as formation flying, advanced robotic missions and rendezvous maneuvers. These concepts require propulsion systems for precise attitude and orbit control maneuverability. Basic research will be conducted aiming at improving crucial MEMS technologies required for the propulsion system. Research and development will also focus on the efficiency and reliability of critical system components. System analysis tools will be enhanced to complement the development stages. In addition, application-oriented aspects will be addressed by two endusers who are planning a formation flying mission for which the propulsion system is crucial. Finally, the μCPS will be tested in a simulated space vacuum environment. These experiments will deliver data for the validation of the numerical models. Nomenclatureρ = density I sp = specific impulse µCPS = Micro Chemical Propulsion Systems CFD = Computational Fluid Dynamics

First results of PRECISE—Development of a MEMS-based monopropellant micro chemical propulsion system

“…The need of propulsion systems capable of thrust levels in the range of a few mN to 1 N is emerging and has also been identified by ESA. Due to this reason, the roadmap for chemical propulsion/micropropulsion [1], was defined which specifies the proposed development approach. It is emphasized that the logical way of pursuing the development of high performance (MEMS) propulsion is to gradually increase the complexity by going from cold gas to hot gas to catalytic decomposition (monopropellant) and in the long run to more advanced miniaturized bipropellant systems.…”

“…PRECISE [1] (chemical mPRopulsion for an Efficient and accurate Control of Satellites for Space Exploration) aims for the advancement of research and technologies needed for the development, manufacturing and operation of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based monopropellant Micro Chemical Propulsion Systems (mCPS). PRECISE combines European capabilities and know-how from universities, research organisations and experienced space companies for the research and development of a μCPS for future market demands.…”

Green micro-resistojet research at Delft University of Technology: new options for Cubesat propulsion

“…Some of the recent activities on micro-propulsion for CubeSats include (but are obviously not limited to) the work of NanoSpace in Sweden [14], TNO in the Netherlands [15] and ClydeSpace in the United Kingdom [16], as well as some projects funded by the European Union such as the ones presented in [17] and [18]. For what concerns micropropulsion concepts specifically based on water, the Ohio State University has worked on water PPT thrusters [19], capable of offering a much higher specific impulse than Teflon-based ones (up to more than 11,000 s) due to the lower molecular mass of water, but suffering from very low power efficiency which practically confines their use to much larger spacecraft than CubeSats.…”

Analysis Model to Optimize Ground Stations in Built-up Areas

“…Moreover, MEMS technology integration has increased CubeSat capabilities by replacing subsystems such as the inertial measurement and thruster propulsion units, and by substituting larger and heavier components of the attitude control system such as gyroscopes and magnetorques (Steyn, 2001;Huang & Yang, 2009;DeRooij et al 2009;Shea, 2009;Moore et al 2010;Conversano & Wirz, 2011;Gauer et al 2012;Li et al 2013;Cahoy et al 2013;Quadrino, 2014;Cervone et al 2016). Figure 23 …”