Microfluidic Electrospray Propulsion (MEP)

Several studies have shown that micro-thrusters could replace attitude control systems and reaction wheels on large spacecraft resulting in large mass savings and increases to mission reliability. This technology can also enable other game changing propulsion capabilities for micro-scale to very large deployable spacecraft structures. Initial investigation into the subject areas has determined that the combined characteristics of performance and technical maturity of the electrospray category offers the greatest potential both for revolutionizing small spacecraft propulsion as well as offering an alternative fine pointing capability for larger satellites.