Flight Model Development of the Water Resistojet Propulsion System for Deep Space Exploration by the CubeSat: EQUULEUS

摘要

Flight model of a micro-water resistojet propulsion system, named AQUARIUS (AQUA ResIstojet propUlsion System) was designed for a deep space exploration by 6U Cubesat. Ultra green propellant: water was used as propellant, which allowed for low pressure feeding system and a safe and easy handling. In addition, water has been arousing interest as a potential resource for future deep space exploration. AQUARIUS has a gas-liquid separation device, named vaporization chamber, where liquid water evaporates at a standard temperature. Waste heat of transponders is reused at the vaporization chamber. MEOP (Maximum Expected Operating Pressure) was designed to be approximately 60 kPa. Flight model was assembled, and operation test was conducted in a vacuum chamber. Thrust performance was measured by using thrust balance. Averaged thrust of more than 4 mN was achieved in a first operation.