Home > Knowledge Base Authors: Lou Grimaud , Tony Schönherr, Thorsten Vogel, Ivanhoe Vasiljevich, Nina Mühlich, Bernhard Seifert, Alexander Reissner and David Krejci Published On: June 19-23, 2022 Event: 37th International Electric Propulsion Conference – Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA, IEPC-2022-200 Download PDF Abstract Field-emission electric propulsion (FEEPs) as part of the electrostatic propulsion family are low-thrust, high-Isp subsystems suitable for various mission applications on satellites ranging from Cubesats over constellations to larger satellites and can be easily clustered to fulfil mission requirements. Based on space-proven liquid metal ion source (LMIS) technology, FOTEC developed the IFM Nano Thruster as a standalone FEEP subsystem including propellant management and electronics (PPU) resulting in a first IOD in early 2018. The technology is now being commercialized as ENPULSION NANO thruster by the spin-out company ENPULSION and has resulted in delivery of several hundred thrusters and more than 100 thruster units in orbit (as of Q2 2022). Further R&D efforts at both ENPULSION and FOTEC have resulted in new products: the NANO R3 as an evolutionary step based on the NANO as well as the MICRO R3 based on the same technology for more demanding mission requirements. Both products are now being qualified within an ESA qualification project, and the current status and results are presented herein. 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.
