MEMS Reaction Control and Maneuvering for Picosats beyond LEO
Project Description
This project further develops a multi-functional SmallSat technology for low-power attitude control of picosatellites beyond low Earth orbit. The film-evaporation MEMS tunable array (FEMTA) concept utilizes a green propellant and microscale effects in fluid surface tension and advanced MEMS microfabrication to achieve thrust under 0.1 W of power and within 0.1 U total system volume. Interplanetary CubeSats can utilize FEMTA for high slew rate attitude corrections in addition to desaturating reaction wheels. The FEMTA in cooling mode can be used for thermal control during high-power communication events, which are likely to accompany the attitude correction.
More »Anticipated Benefits
Once developed, interplanetary CubeSats or picosatellites can utilize FEMTA's low-power attitude control for high slew rate attitude corrections in addition to desaturating reaction wheels. The FEMTA in cooling mode can be used for thermal control during high-power communication events, which are likely to accompany the attitude correction.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University-Main Campus | Lead Organization | Academia | West Lafayette, Indiana |
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Indiana
-
Maryland
