MIT's Two-in-One Propulsion Lets CubeSats Reach Mars
TL;DR
MIT engineers have demonstrated a two-in-one propulsion system that uses the ASCENT propellant to power both traditional chemical thrusters and compact electrospray thrusters, enabling a briefcase-sized CubeSat to accelerate or perform precise, slow maneuvers with a single fuel tank, with NASA planning tests on a dual-mode mission.
Topics:sciencespace#ascent-propellant#cubesats#electrospray-thrusters#mit#space#two-in-one-propulsion
- This Clever New Engine Could Send Briefcase-Size Spacecraft to Mars Gizmodo
- For satellites as small as a briefcase, getting around in space just got a whole lot easier Phys.org
- Engineers Develop Propulsion System for Fast, Fuel-Efficient Satellites Tomorrow's World Today
- Green Thrusters (IMAGE) EurekAlert!
- MIT Researchers Develop Dual-Mode Propulsion System for Small Satellites geneonline.com
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