Show threadSpaceflight 🚀Feb 13, 2025

In an #electrospray thruster, charged particles are pulled directly out of a liquid propellant using a strong electric field and accelerated using charged #electrodes https://spacepropulsion.mit.edu/electric-propulsion

#SpacecraftPropulsion #ElectricPropulsion

What is Electric Propulsion? – Space Propulsion Laboratory

Show threadSpaceflight 🚀Feb 13, 2025

The #3Dprinted prototype was able to generate thrust more #efficiently than larger, more expensive #chemical rockets and outperformed existing droplet #electrospray engines. It can be produced rapidly and for a fraction of the #cost 💵 of traditional thrusters and even be fully made in #orbit 🌌 https://news.mit.edu/2025/mit-engineers-develop-fully-3d-printed-electrospray-engine-0212

#SpacecraftPropulsion

MIT engineers develop a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine

MIT researchers demonstrated the first fully 3D-printed, droplet-emitting electrospray engine. The low-cost device can be fabricated more quickly than traditional thrusters, potentially from on board a spacecraft, and could enable CubeSats to perform precise, in-orbit maneuvers, aiding space research projects.

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Matt WillemsenJan 3, 2024
ESA’s Tiny Pinhole Thruster is Ready for Production.
https://www.universetoday.com/165019/esas-tiny-pinhole-thruster-is-ready-for-production/ #pinhole #thruster #ATHENA #cubesat #Electrospray #NAnotechnology
ESA’s Tiny Pinhole Thruster is Ready for Production. 

Rocket propulsion technology has progressed leaps and bounds since the first weaponised rockets of the Chinese and Mongolian empires. They were nothing more than rocket powered arrows and spears but they set the foundations for our exploration of space. Liquid propellant, ion engines and solar sails have all hit the headlines as we strive for … Continue reading "ESA’s Tiny Pinhole Thruster is Ready for Production. "

Universe Today
Kermit MurrayFeb 18, 2023
Rigged an #electrospray to try some droplet chemistry - illuminated with a 5 mW diode pumped Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm.