SBIR-STTR Award

Today many spacecraft carry two propulsion options: high thrust required for high acceleration maneuvers such as orbit insertion and rapid response; and low thrust required for station keeping and less critical maneuvers. A new class of non-toxic monopropellants, such as AF-M315E and LMP-103S, perform well in both high and low thrust regimes. Significant investments are maturing both monopropellants into propulsion systems tailored for each option. Of interest is leveraging these new technologies into a common propellant, dual mode propulsion system with integrated system design and performance. In support of this concept, Plasma Processes will design an AF-M315E-based dual mode propulsion system in cooperation with Georgia Tech. The baseline system is an extended 4-unit CubeSat propulsion module with four 100 mN thrusters for roll, pitch, and yaw maneuvers; and one 5N thruster for Delta-V maneuvers. The propulsion module is easily expanded to an 8-unit module, allowing for more propellant and longer missions. Non-toxic monopropellants are positioned to provide increased mission safety, reduced life cycle costs, and increased performance over state-of-the-art alternatives. From a spacecraft perspective, a single propellant, dual mode propulsion system can reduce weight and volume, allowing for more payload and greater propulsion flexibility. From a mission perspective, the technology facilitates the use of less expensive launch vehicles, less stringent launch requirements, and transfer to desired orbit. This concept enables frequent low-cost missions allowing for iteration and opportunities to improve technologies. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Interplanetary Deep Space Exploration (AEOLUS, CUVE, CHARIOT), Asteroid Exploration (ROSS, APEX), Lunar Exploration (CUBEX), Earth Science & Observation Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Earth Observation (PLANET LABS), Satellite De-Orbit De-commissioning & Escape Orbits, Global Connectivity (OneWeb, STARLINK/SpaceX, Athena/Facebook), Science & Technology Missions (NOAA), Low Cost Launch Providers

NASA is seeking propulsive capability for SmallSats and modular CubeSats for several lunar, interplanetary, and deep space missions. Because of their small size, CubeSats can be transported into orbit, using excess capacity of large launch vehicles ridesharing as secondary payloads. A downside of ridesharing is that satellites are often released into unfavorable trajectories/orbits that require high-precision and high-thrust chemical propulsion capability for orbital changes and other maneuvers. In the Phase I effort, a 5N low-cost ASCENT thruster was developed, and a propulsion module that included thrusters for both high-thrust and also low thrust with higher specific impulse in a dual mode propulsion system was designed. The focus of the Phase II effort is to develop a flight design for the 5N thruster and to design, fabricate, test, and deliver propellant tanks, manifold, and propulsion controller for a prototype flight unit propulsion module. The 5N thrusters will be tested to enable reaching TRL-6, and the CubeSat dual mode propulsion system will be designed, built, and tested. Georgia Tech will support the overall effort to design, build, and test a CubeSat propulsion system for performing impulsive maneuvers on small spacecraft. Georgia Tech will use its heritage CubeSat propulsion system experience and make limited changes as necessary to satisfy the unique dual mode requirements. This activity includes detailed design, fabrication, and delivery of two mechanical units: a structural test (burst) unit and a prototype field unit. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The Phase II project will provide a dual mode green propulsion system for a technology demonstrator mission. PLASMA’s 100 mN thruster will be creating flight heritage and will be a product for commercial and government buyers. A flight design 5N thruster will be made commercially available. NASA applications include any satellite requiring attitude and orbit control, reaction control, formation flying, and controlled reentry. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) There are tremendous commercial applications for STTR dual mode green propulsion system, 100 mN thruster and 5N thruster. Applications include all commercial and government satellites requiring attitude and orbit control, reaction control, formation flying, controlled reentry, and military applications such as divert and attitude control.