MIT developed microthrusters could propel small satellites

Ramani Aswath

Ramani Aswath

@ramani-VR4O43 • Oct 27, 2024
There is a clutter of 'CubeSats', tiny nano satellites in orbit. Pushing them around, orienting and such chores are difficult using conventional thrusters.
MIT researchers have developed micro thrusters that use ion beams generated by a thruster that looks more like an IC chip, which bears promise to handle these jobs. Nano for nano.
Out of box? Out of space engineering!

<a href="https://www.designfax.net/cms/dfx/opens/article-view-dfx.php?nid=4&bid=179&et=featurearticle&pn=03" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Designfax – Technology for OEM Design Engineers</a>
Like 0 Replies 3

Replies

Welcome, guest

Join CrazyEngineers to reply, ask questions, and participate in conversations.

Sign up Log in

CrazyEngineers powered by Jatra Community Platform

  • Ankita Katdare

    Ankita Katdare

    @abrakadabra • Sep 25, 2012

    True. CEan Madhumitha wrote an article discussing the same on VoiCE -
    #-Link-Snipped-#
    0
  • Ramani Aswath

    Ramani Aswath

    @ramani-VR4O43 • Sep 25, 2012

    AbraKaDabra
    True. CEan Madhumitha wrote an article discussing the same on VoiCE -
    #-Link-Snipped-#
    I keep forgetting to check Voice entries before posting. Should be more careful in future.
    0
  • Ashraf HZ

    Ashraf HZ

    @Ash • Jul 8, 2013

    Back when I was working in a CubeSat concept design in uni, propulsion was a huge challenge. Our team experimented with chemical propellants and all.

    Mini Ion thrusters will be give a huge boost to CubeSat development for sure!Though The orbit must probably be higher that 400km to avoid atmospheric drag, seeing the thrust output is relatively small.

    AbraKaDabra
    True. CEan Madhumitha wrote an article discussing the same on VoiCE -
    #-Link-Snipped-#
    Hi AKD, the link seems broken 😔
    0