ATHENA is a new electrospray propulsion system jointly launched by ESA and IENAISpace that can provide innovative and scalable propulsion for small satellites. The final product is expected to be available next year. Palm-sized thruster options for future space missions: Seven emitter arrays etched onto silicon wafers using micron and nanotechnology, each with more than 500 pinhole-sized emitters that eject ions accelerated by electrostatic fields for maximum thrust.

ATHENA, jointly developed by ESA and IENAISpace, uses an array of tiny transmitters on silicon wafers to provide scalable and efficient propulsion for small satellites such as CubeSats. Source: IENAISpace

This "electrospray" technology is inherently scalable and is being developed as a cost- and mass-effective method of propulsion for CubeSats and other small satellites. For the first time in Europe, this ionic liquid-based electrospray propulsion system achieved more than 400 hours of continuous operation.

"Everyone knows 'space travel is hard,' but we like to say 'propulsion is harder,'" commented Daniel Pérez Grande, CEO and co-founder of Spanish company IENAISpace, which developed the technology for ESA. "Developing a new technology from scratch is no easy task, but we are confident that our thruster product will stand out in the market with its incredible performance and customization capabilities; in fact, we have been approached by several companies in the industry."

ATHENA: Rapid development of space propulsion technology

The system, called ATHENA (Adaptable Thruster Based on Electrospray Powered by Nanotechnology), is one of three systems currently being developed by ESA to use electrospray for space propulsion. ATHENA relies on conductive ionic liquid salts as fuel. The liquid flows through a nanotextured cone-shaped emitter, accelerating at different electrical potentials between the emitter and extractor. The interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the applied electrostatic field forms ions, which are ejected at extremely fast speeds (about 20 kilometers/second), generating a force that drives the satellite to move.

The micro-fabricated ATHENA system uses non-toxic "green" propellants, eliminates the need for pressurized tanks, and has the advantage of highly customizable thrust. Thrusters can be freely combined as needed - six thrusters can be installed on the 10cm surface of a single CubeSat unit. These units can be further combined to provide thrust for satellites with a mass of up to 50 kilograms.

Future prospects and development

The project has now passed preliminary design review, with the goal of launching a final product by the end of next year. Development work is supported by ESA's Common Support Technologies Programme, which provides innovative products and services for spaceflight and open markets.

Compiled source: ScitechDaily