Ice propulsion system developed for CubeSats
MAR 17, 2015
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.028713
New Scientist : To help keep CubeSats and other types of nanosatellites in orbit longer, researchers at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have designed a rocket propelled by ice. In space, water ice sublimates directly from a solid to a gas. As it does so, the released vapor molecules could be harnessed to create sufficient propulsion force for the satellite to correct its orbit or control its orientation. The use of ice as a propellant has several advantages over other fuel types: It is both nonexplosive and eco-friendly. A prototype of the researchers’ “micro-resistojet” is being developed for launch in a few years.
© 2015. American Institute of Physics