A MEMS-based solid propellant microthruster with Au/Ti igniter

Abstract

A solid propellant microthruster with Au/Ti igniter is demonstrated as an improved micropropulsion system for microspacecraft. The new design provides the microthruster with a high degree of flexibility, maneuverability and integration. Single microthruster and microthruster arrays have been successfully fabricated using standard microfabrication technologies. The propellant combustion process in the micro-chamber of the microthruster has been visually observed. Initial tests employing gunpowder-based solid propellants, have produced 2.11 × 10 −5 to 1.15 × 10 −4 N s of total impulse and 2.68–14.65 s of specific impulse at sea level, and 3.52 × 10 −5 to 2.22 × 10 −4 N s of total impulse and 4.48–28.29 s of specific impulse in vacuum. The performance of the solid propellant microthruster with Au/Ti igniter is also compared with that of a solid propellant microthruster having a wire igniter.