MEMS-based propulsion arrays with solid propellant

A MEMS-based solid propellant propulsion array was developed to provide a miniature, highly accurate micro thrust impulse jet for a micro satellite propulsion system. The micro propulsion system has low power and energy thresholds for ignition and no moving parts, so they are expected to be highly reliable. The thruster design and fabrication process are described along with analysis of the propellant flow characteristics. Ignition and thrust tests were done on a prototype having a 6×6 array of micro thrusters. The ignition instantaneous power required for each unit is less than 1 W, the mean ignition voltage is less than 40 V, and the theoretical thrust force is about 1.7 mN. This working voltage is far less than that for electrical propulsion with the same order thrust.