MEMS/Micro Propulsion

The Northrop Grumman-led Digital Micro-Propulsion Program is producing and demonstrating tiny thrusters to perform orbital insertion, station keeping and attitude control functions on micro-, nano- and pico-satellites.
 
Individual micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) thrusters, each a poppy seed-sized cell, are placed in arrays made up as a three-layer silicon and glass sandwich, fabricated with the middle layer consisting of an array of small cells, or plenums, and sealed with a rupturable diaphragm on one side. Each cell represents a separate thruster, like a solid rocket motor. The cells are loaded with combustible propellants or an inert substance in gas, liquid or solid form. When ignited, each cell delivers one impulse bit. Propulsion is adjusted in discrete increments by igniting individual thrusters, several thrusters at once, or in controlled sequences to deliver precise amounts of impulse.
 
The microthruster design offers several advantages over conventional thrusters: it has no moving parts, uses a variety of propellants, is scalable, and eliminates the need for tanks, fuel lines and valves.

Photo courtesy of Aerospace Corporation.
 
For further information contact:

David Lewis
E-mail: david.lewis@ngc.com