Solid Propellant Microthrusters based on Nanoenergetic Gas Generators

Space flight propulsion systems for microsatellites (20-100kg) and nanosatellites (less than 20kg) require microthrusters to enable to control a small adjustment in flight mission such as payload delivery, stabilization, guidance, navigation, etc. In this work, we examine high-energy-density nano-energetic materials integrated with Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) for application of specific flight purposes. From wide variety of possible nano-energetic systems, Al-I$_{2}$O$_{5}$ and Al-Bi$_{2}$O$_{3}$ were chosen due to their superior energetic performance compared to other systems. The nano-energetic materials represent higher energy density per volume and pressure discharge values compared to traditional propellants. These advantages guarantee to enhance the thrust-to-weight and thrust-to-power ratios, specific impulse, effective exhaust velocity, thrust, energy density, controlled combustion, etc. The application-specific thrust profiles can be ensured by microthrusters and their arrays. We present experimental substantiation, evaluation and characterization of fabricated proof-of-concept devices with nanoenergetic propellants.