A STUDY ON THE RECENT ADVANCES IN THE DESIGN OF MEMS-BASED SOLID MICROTHRUSTERS

Abstract

In the past few decades, space technology has moved toward using many small satellites working in a cluster instead of making individual satellites for space missions. Nano or microsatellites increase the reliability of the mission while minimizing cost, rather than having one large satellite increasing both the cost and the failure risk for any given space mission. Considering the case of a small satellite cluster, it is easy to manage mission requirements with less complexity during any hazard, compared to an individual satellite. All of this has led to the increasing application of micro and nanosatellites in space engineering. These small satellites are propelled by micropropulsion created by microthrusters. Currently, liquid, gas, and electrical thrusters are the most common. This paper mainly describes the recent advancements in the field of MEMS microthrusters. MEMS (microelectromechanical system) thrusters are used in small satellites in a variety of ways that require very little thrust. In the paper discussion, MEMS-based solid-propellant microthrusters (SPMs) are delineated. All advancements in the MEMS solid thrusters are indicated in the article, dedicated to mounting schemes, designing approaches, and various performance testing experiments. The main challenge in this technology is combustion, which takes place in an exceptionally small volume.