Dual-mode Electrical and Chemical Propulsion System for CubeSats

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Track Code	2020-SHAS-68867
Categories	Aeronautics Mechanical Engineering
Keywords	Aeronautics aerospace aerospace platform Chemical Engineering chemical propulsion Cost Efficient CubeSat Defense & Space electric propulsion Electrical Engineering Green Technology Ignition System NASA orbit Physics Plasma Propellant Propellants Propulsion Reagent Chemicals Rocket Propellant Satellites smallsat Solar Technology spacecraft Spacecraft Deployables Spacecraft Propulsion
Public Abstract	Engineers at Purdue University have developed a dual-mode electrical and chemical propulsion approach for use on long duration CubeSat missions. The method integrates electrical and chemical propulsion techniques to provide high performance orbital correction while meeting green technology standards set by NASA. In testing of a prototype unit, the thruster was able to be reignited from an electrical spark for over 200 cycles. This technology has impacts on the rapidly emerging SmallSat space, to provide delta-v in a compact and lightweight form factor to meet mission requirements. Advantages - Meets NASA green standards - Capable of long mission life - Leverages advantages of both electrical and chemical propulsion - Lighter/lower volume than conventional approaches Applications - SmallSats/CubeSats - Orbital Correction - Propulsion Technology Validation: This technology has been validated through the testing of a prototype dual-mode thruster.
People	Shashurin, Alexey (Project leader) Pourpoint, Timothee L
Intellectual Property	Application Date Oct 20, 2023 Type Utility Patent Country of Filing United States Patent Number (None) Issue Date (None) Application Date Oct 31, 2022 Type Provisional-Patent Country of Filing United States Patent Number (None) Issue Date (None) Application Date Oct 21, 2022 Type Provisional-Patent Country of Filing United States Patent Number (None) Issue Date (None)
Contact OTC	Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization The Convergence Center 101 Foundry Drive, Suite 2500 West Lafayette, IN 47906 Phone: (765) 588-3475 Fax: (765) 463-3486 Email: otcip@prf.org