The technology is an enabler for missions where the gravity fields of the targets are weak but need to be countered by propulsion while the guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) system performs the necessary analyses to determine suitable landing sites. The pump provides a simple mechanism for controlling that thrust which, potentially can be varied from thruster to thruster for accurate attitude control (if one pump is used per thruster). It also removes the need for a second set of larger thrusters needed to counter that gravity. As such, the low cost sample return missions envisioned by NASA and recently formed asteroid mining private companies could be direct benefactors of the technology.
The technology can be used to eliminate the pressurization system altogether and transform it into a low-pressure, low cost, more compact and lighter system. As such it has applications in any other government and commercial missions with propulsion needs. These extend to the multitude of projects relying on nanosat constellations that are currently being funded by the private sector. They include, to name just a few, Planet Labs, Skybox Imaging and Rapid, all focused on the imaging market. Many other potential applications are being considered, including low through-put communications, earthquake monitoring, etc. The list is becoming endless as the potential for Nanosats to become a commodity is being realized.
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