A MEMS-based solid propellant microthruster with Au/Ti igniter

A solid propellant microthruster with Au/Ti igniter is demonstrated as an improved micropropulsion system for microspacecraft. The new design provides the microthruster with a high degree of flexibility, maneuverability and integration. Single microthruster and microthruster arrays have been successfully fabricated using standard microfabrication technologies. The propellant combustion process in the microchamber of the microthruster has been visually observed. Initial tests employing gunpowder-based solid propellants, have produced 2.11 x 10(-5) to 1.15 x 10(-4) N s of total impulse and 2.68-14.65 s of specific impulse at sea level, and 3.52 x 10(-5) to 2.22 x 10(-4) N s of total impulse and 4.48-28.29 s of specific impulse in vacuum. The performance of the solid propellant microthruster with Au/Ti igniter is also compared with that of a solid propellant microthruster having a wire igniter. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.