Award

This Phase II effort is a collaboration between City Labs and the University of Michigan to develop a nuclear beta emitter ion engine for small satellites. Focused on enhancing mission capabilities and longevity, the project addresses the challenges of power limitations and inadequate propulsion solutions in small satellite platforms like CubeSats. Small satellites, pivotal in modern space operations for their cost-efficiency and quick deployment, face constraints due to their minimal power capacity and size. These limitations hinder their propulsion options, affecting mission scope and duration. The proposed nuclear beta emitter ion engine is a groundbreaking solution, designed to operate within the power limitations of small satellites. It integrates advancements in tritium nuclear technology and plasma propulsion to provide an optimized balance of specific impulse (500 s to 3,000 s) and thrust (?1 mN), necessary for sustained operations and maneuverability in space. Key components of the project include: 1) Enhancing tritium density in the engine's injection sources, improving efficiency while minimizing size. 2) Conducting theoretical and practical assessments of propulsion effectiveness through modeling and laboratory demonstrations. 3) Evaluating various propellants to optimize engine performance for different mission requirements. 4) Ensuring the engine's capability for extended missions with efficient power use and thrust generation. This Phase II effort will culminate with a laboratory demonstration of the thrusting capability of the nuclear ion engine.