MIT researchers have 3D printed ion-powered nanosatellite thrusters

Researchers have developed a novel 3D printed, ion-powered, nanosatellite thruster for a study funded by the MIT Nanotechnology program and the NewSat project. Using metal and resin 3D printing methods and hydrothermally grown zinc oxide nanowires (ZnONWs), the research team created nanosatellite thrusters that emit a stream of pure ions. The research paper entitled “Additively manufactured electrohydrodynamic ionic liquid pure-ion sources for nanosatellite propulsion” marks several firsts in the field: the first demonstration of a fully 3D-printed thruster; the first thruster of its kind to produce pure ions from the ionic liquids used to generate propulsion; as well as the nanosatellite electrospray ionic liquid pure-ion rocket to receive validation.

MIT’s 3D printed nanosatellite thrusters

Nanosatellites are miniaturized satellites, weighing between 1 and 10 kg. Traditionally nanosatellite thrusters rely on chemical-based propulsion systems. However, following an increase in spacecraft power, many modern missions now favor higher energy electric propulsion (EP) systems. The research team at MIT used electrospray thrusters, a type of energy electric propulsion system particularly suited to nanosatellites, because their physics favor miniaturization.

Preliminary experimental results suggesting the reported devices have a long life. (photo credits: Additive Manufacturing journal)

Similarly, the majority of additive manufacturing techniques are able to function on a miniature scale. Researchers thus experimented with two additive manufacturing methods to fabricate the emitting electrodes for the nanosatellite: binder jetting and vat polymerization. As for materials, the team chose SS 316L, a corrosion resistant stainless steel for the former, and FunToDo Industrial Blend resin (FTD-IB), a highly cross-linked, acrylic based polymer for the latter. While the stainless steel electrodes functioned better overall, the process proved very expensive. The polymer equivalent rivalled this performance, despite far lower production costs.