Home > Knowledge Base Authors: David Krejci, Lou Grimaud, Tony Schönherr, Valentin Hugonnaud, Alexander Reissner and Bernhard Seifert Published On: August 9-11, 2021 Event: AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2021 Forum, AIAA 2021-3420 Download PDF Abstract View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-3420.vid The ENPULSION NANO and the ENPULSION MICRO are both based on liquid metal Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) principle, producing thrust by electrostatically accelerating previously extracted and ionized propellant to high exhaust velocity. The Indium FEEP emitter is based on passive propellant supply from the integrated propellant reservoir via capillary forces to the porous metal ion emitter featuring 28 needle-shaped porous emitters, arranged in a crown-like geometry. The NANO thruster features one such emitter, whereas the MICRO features 4 emitter crowns operated in parallel to increase thrust. Electrostatic pull between the liquified Indium and the counter electrode surrounding the emitter crown establishes a so-called Taylor cone on the tips of the needle emitters, from who’s apex the ion emission takes place. This principle is based on long heritage of Liquid metal ion sources (LMIS) and sources for mass spectroscopy used for spaceflight, and has gained significant interest as propulsion system for commercial smallsat missions. This work provides an overview of disclosable in-flight experience and reports on testing characterization progress of both propulsion systems. DOWNLOAD PDF Thank you for your interest in ENPULSION’s products and services! As a global market leader in electric propulsion for nano- and microsatellites, we offer you a broad range of fully integrated electric propulsion systems, as well as simulator and emulator products, and support and services to guide you from first conceptual steps to spacecraft design, integration, launch-preparation, as well as commissioning and operations, all the way to end-of life de-orbiting of your spacecraft – our expert teams are always at your side. Exclusive ENPULSION data-room If you are interested to gain access to the next layer of technical information and in-depth knowledge of our products and technology, please contact us. In the ENPULSION data-room you can find product-specific user manuals, in-depth technical guides and applicable documents, containing valuable information on handling and shipping requirements, as well as everything you need to know to get the best performance and utility out of your ENPULSION products.
