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Micro Resistojet for Small Satellites

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNG06CA11C
Agency Tracking Number: 041141
Amount: $599,922.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S1.04
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-12-20
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-12-21
Small Business Information
11 Tech Circle
Natick, MA 01760-2213
United States
DUNS: 184629491
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Vlad Hruby
 Principal Investigator
 (508) 655-5565
 vhruby@busek.com
Business Contact
 Judy Budny
Title: Business Official
Phone: (508) 655-5565
Email: judy@busek.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Micro-resistojets offer an excellent combination of simplicity, performance and wet system mass for small satellites (<100 kg, <50 watts) requiring mN level propulsion and low to moderate delta V (<500 m/sec). In Phase I, the potential of a unique micro-resistojet concept suited for low power level was established , and "green" methanol, cracked thermally (without a catalyst) was identified as the propellant of choice. An Isp of 250 seconds is expected.

The overall objective of the Phase II Program is to develop an Engineering Model (EM) of the "green" methanol/water fueled micro-resistojet system. The system will be as near as possible to a flight system without having specific mission requirements and will utilize off the shelf power processing components and Lab View software to simulate flight system components in order to minimize cost. Target design specifications for the system are: Thrust - 5.4*10-3 newtons; Specific Impulse - 250 seconds; Mass flow - 2.2*10-3 grams/second (0.167 ccm liquid); Input Power - Less than 20 watts including losses; and Operating Life ? 1000 hours.

The EM will be delivered to NASA at the conclusion of Phase II following a 100 hour sustained test at Busek.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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