Home > Knowledge Base Authors: David Krejci, Alexander Reissner , Tony Schönherr, Bernhard Seifert, Zainab Saleem, Ricardo Alejos Published On: September 15-20, 2019 Event: 36th International Electric Propulsion Conference University of Vienna, IEPC-2019-724 Download PDF Abstract The IFM Nano Thruster is a high specific impulse liquid metal Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) system that has been flown on multiple space missions ranging from 3U Cubesats to 100 kg class satellites. The core component of the thruster is a crown-shaped porous metal ion emitter featuring 28 ion emission sites, with propellant supplied passively by capillary forces, obviating the need for pressurized tanks. The metal propellant used is solid during integration and launch, and is only liquefied in orbit, thus significantly simplifying handling and integration. The thruster itself is a fully contained package of less than 1U including power electronics, with applications ranging from orbit control, formation flight control, attitude control to orbit raising and deorbiting. This paper presents the testing, integration and flight data of multiple IFM Nano Thrusters integrated in a Small Satellite. The paper presents the telemetry data acquired during the commissioning phase of 4 thrusters. DOWNLOAD PDF Thank you for your interest in ENPULSION’s products and services! As a global market leader in electric propulsion for nano- and microsatellites, we offer you a broad range of fully integrated electric propulsion systems, as well as simulator and emulator products, and support and services to guide you from first conceptual steps to spacecraft design, integration, launch-preparation, as well as commissioning and operations, all the way to end-of life de-orbiting of your spacecraft – our expert teams are always at your side. Exclusive ENPULSION data-room If you are interested to gain access to the next layer of technical information and in-depth knowledge of our products and technology, please contact us. In the ENPULSION data-room you can find product-specific user manuals, in-depth technical guides and applicable documents, containing valuable information on handling and shipping requirements, as well as everything you need to know to get the best performance and utility out of your ENPULSION products.
