Embedded Electrospray Thruster for Satellite Structural Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrospray thrusters for small satellites, such as CubeSats, face challenges with weight and drag additions when mounted on the satellite structure, which can hinder payload space and deployment, and require high voltage operation.
Innovation Solution
An electrospray thruster is embedded directly within the satellite structure, utilizing an insulated casing, emitter array, and extractor grid, integrated into the satellite's rail system to minimize volume occupation and provide propulsion without protrusions, using ionic liquid propellant and a stepped design for electrical isolation and efficient thrust generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrospray thrusters are mounted on existing satellite structure as stand-alone units, then propulsion function is achieved, but weight and drag increase while payload space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster is merged with the satellite structure by embedding it within an existing structural rail, combining two separate functions (structure and propulsion) into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and reducing overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The structural rail of the satellite is given multiple functions: it serves both as a structural support element and as a housing for the electrospray thruster, allowing the same component to fulfill both mechanical and propulsion roles
2Reliability
If electrospray thrusters are mounted as stand-alone units on satellite structure, then propulsion function is achieved, but drag increases and payload space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By embedding the thruster within the structural rail rather than mounting it externally, the design merges the propulsion system with the satellite's load-bearing structure, eliminating protruding components that would increase aerodynamic drag in Low Earth Orbit
3Reliability
If stand-alone electrospray thrusters are attached to satellite structure, then propulsion function is achieved, but deployment is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster is segmented into modular components (emitter array, extractor grid, insulator, propellant reservoir) that can be assembled and embedded within the structural rail, allowing for simplified deployment compared to installing a complete stand-alone thruster unit
4Volume of moving object
If electrospray thruster is embedded in satellite structure, then volume penalty is eliminated, but structural integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thruster is divided into discrete segments (emitter array, extractor grid, insulator, propellant reservoir) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled within the structural rail, reducing the complexity of the overall integration process while maintaining compact embedding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables zero volume penalty for propulsion systems, allowing for precise attitude control and maneuverability across six degrees of freedom, while reducing weight and drag, and maintaining low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
accelerate ionic propellant particles through a high voltage electrostatic field established between the emitters and an extractor
Implementation Method 2
generate thrust by using capillary action to move their propellant to emitter tips
Data Source
AI summary
An electrospray thruster with integrated propellant storage directly embedded into small satellite structural elements integrates the volume of the thruster into the volume of the rail.