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NASA NTRS · 20180007381

Distributed Attitude Control and Maneuvering for Deep Space SmallSats

Alexeenko, Alina
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Abstract

The aim of the Distributed Attitude Control and Maneuvering for Deep Space SmallSats project is to advance a multi-purpose, deep space mission-enabling technology for low-power attitude and thermal control of small satellites to a flight demonstration technology readiness level (TRL). The film-evaporation microelectromechanical systems tunable array (FEMTA) small satellite technology combines innovative microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microfabrication and microscale effects in fluid surface tension to produce a thermally actuated capillary valve. Using water as the propellant, the FEMTA thruster can generate finely controllable thrust at a thrust to power ratio of about 200 microNewton per Watt (W).

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Alexeenko, Alina. 2018-05-07. Distributed Attitude Control and Maneuvering for Deep Space SmallSats. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20180007381

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