About the project
This project aims to develop a high-performance, low-cost propulsion system for CubeSats, enhancing manoeuvrability and mission longevity. Building on the All-Printed Propulsion System (ALPS) concept, this research will explore plasma acceleration using electric and magnetic fields, enabling a dual-stage propulsion system for improved thrust and efficiency in micro- and nanosatellite applications.
Propulsion is essential for enhancing the capabilities of CubeSats, enabling orbit changes, drag compensation, formation flying, and End-of-Life disposal. However, existing CubeSat propulsion systems face performance limitations.
This project aims to develop a low-cost, high-performance propulsion system for micro- and nanosatellites, building on the All-Printed Propulsion System concept, initially developed with the European Space Agency (ESA) support. While ALPS provides a fully standalone propulsion package, its current design generates only micro-Newton-level thrust due to the absence of plasma acceleration mechanisms.
This research will experimentally investigate how external magnetic and electric fields influence plasma discharge and plume dynamics in the ALPS thruster. The goal is to develop a dual-stage electric propulsion system, where ALPS serves as a metal plasma source, coupled with an electrostatic or electromagnetic acceleration stage to significantly enhance thrust performance.
The outcome of this project will contribute to next-generation CubeSat propulsion technology, enabling more advanced and longer-duration space missions.
