NASA is collaborating with private companies to develop advanced propulsion systems for small spacecraft. These systems are designed to help vehicles navigate safely in orbit, reach destinations across our solar system, and carry out important missions.
Recently, NASA launched a CubeSat named DUPLEX (Dual Propulsion Experiment) to test two new micropropulsion technologies. This small satellite entered low Earth orbit from the International Space Station on December 2. It features two thruster systems that use polymer fibers. These systems aim to match the performance of existing technologies while being safer and more affordable.
One innovation is a fiber-fed pulsed plasma thruster. It works by sending an electric pulse to vaporize Teflon. The generated ions produce efficient thrust while minimizing fuel use. The second technology is inspired by 3D printing. It uses a monofilament method to heat and vaporize a common polymer called Delrin, creating continuous thrust.
DUPLEX will spend the next two years testing these propulsion systems by adjusting its orbit. This will showcase the technology’s ability to maintain an orbit over time. Micropropulsion can benefit operators in the busy low Earth orbit, helping them adjust orbits to steer clear of debris, manage maneuvers between spacecraft, and carry out essential tasks like inspections.
Experts believe that these advancements open new pathways for affordable spacecraft solutions that can support extended missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. According to a recent report by the Space Foundation, the commercial space sector has seen a significant increase in investment, growing to nearly $424 billion in 2022. The innovations tested in DUPLEX can play a major role in building a strong orbital economy that meets NASA’s mission needs.
The DUPLEX spacecraft was developed by Champaign-Urbana Aerospace in Illinois, with support from NASA’s Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems program at Ames Research Center in California. Its development received funding from the Small Business Innovation Research program and a Tipping Point industry partnership award.
As we look to the future, these propulsion technologies promise an exciting evolution in how we explore space and utilize the vast resources of our solar system. For more information on NASA’s innovations, check out the NASA Small Business Innovation Research program.
Source link
Ames Research Center, CubeSats, International Space Station (ISS), ISS Research, SBIR STTR, Small Spacecraft Technology Program, Space Technology Mission Directorate
