PRECISE – Results of the MEMS µChemical Propulsion System

Abstract

PRECISE focuses on the research and development of a MEMS-based monopropellant micro chemical propulsion system for highly accurate attitude control of satellites. The design of the μCPS is not comparable to common propulsion systems since the MEMS-based chips from the μValve over the μThruster to the μCatalyst demand a radically different system design and setup. The flat. chip-like components have to be stacked, thus forming a compact propulsion unit with changeable layers. PRECISE implements stakeholders from basic research to end-users. Basic research is conducted aiming at improving crucial MEMS technologies required for the propulsion system. Research and development also focus on the efficiency and reliability of critical system components. System analysis tools are enhanced to complement the development stages. Application-oriented aspects are addressed by two end-users who are planning a formation flying mission for which the propulsion system is crucial. Finally, the propulsion system will be hot fired on a dedicated thrust measurement balance in a simulated space vacuum environment. The plume measurements will be performed with a novel MEMS-based Pitot tube sensor. These experiments will deliver data for the validation of the numerical models which were developed in the course of the project.