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NanoFET - Nanoparticle Field Extraction Thruster for Micro-Satellites and Defensive Counterspace

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9550-09-C-0079
Agency Tracking Number: F074-036-0327
Amount: $499,917.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF07-T036
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2007
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2008-11-20
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2010-11-20
Small Business Information
P.O. Box 131460
Ann Arbor, MI 48113
United States
DUNS: 610511334
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 David Morris
 Senior Engineer
 (734) 786-1434
 morris@edapplications.com
Business Contact
 Joseph Mancuso
Title: Operations Manager
Phone: (734) 786-1434
Email: mancuso@edapplications.com
Research Institution
 University of Michigan
 Kathryn A Dewitt
 
Div of Research Devel & Admin Room 1058; 3003 S State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
United States

 (734) 763-6438
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

The Nanoparticle Field Extraction Thruster (NanoFET) is being developed as a high thrust-to-power, highly compact, variable specific impulse electric propulsion device especially for micro-satellite applications. NanoFET provides thrust by extracting and charging nanometer to micron-sized conducting particles (e.g., spheres) fed from a dry reservoir and accelerating them electrostatically. This technique may allow important advantages in terms of storage and handling efficiency over gas or liquid propellant approaches. The particles are delivered from the reservoir spring force and piezoelectric vibrations. Charging and extraction is done using a multi-layer MEMS grid. By charging equal numbers of particles both positively and negatively, NanoFET can eliminate the need for a neutralizer. Highly efficient in terms of both power and system mass/volume, NanoFET could provide significant improvement over current propulsion options for key micro-satellite mission applications. Current design targets are tens of nanometer particles accelerated through tens of kilovolts. Prototype experiments have been conducted with 5-micron hollow aluminum spheres as an interim step. In addition to propulsion, the particle beam created by NanoFET provides capability for defensive counter-space applications including sensor coating and momentum transfer interactions with non-friendly spacecraft. Potential mission applications include deployable "Sentinel" sub-satellites that would provide mother-satellite inspection or proximate satellite interception. BENEFIT: The NanoFET propulsion system may find particular value in microsatellites attached to high value military assets. Small deployable spacecraft could thus provide mothercraft inspection, sentinel-like protection, plus other capabilities of value. The NanoFET propulsion system will also support other propulsion applications beyond military satellites. As a scalable technology, NanoFET could provide its variable thrust and Isp benefits to a wide range of civilian and research satellites in many size categories. In addition, the work being done to characterize the material impact of the NanoFET system in application to defensive counter space will benefit the development of versions of NanoFET for terrestrial applications. For example, in material processing it can be used to implant materials in accurately controlled quantities to specific depths and precise locations. We are presently working with UM to acquire funding to develop print applications through the MUCI university research grant program. Ultimately, we see potential for medical applications as well. EDA plans to develop and grow this technology into all of these areas.

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

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