Fundamental Ground Experiment of a Water Resistojet Propulsion System: AQUARIUS Installed on a 6U CubeSat: EQUULEUS

Abstract

In this study, a water resistojet propulsion system, named AQUARIUS, is proposed and the breadboard model (BBM) test results and the engineering model (EM) design are described. AQUARIUS will be on-boarded the SLS EM-1 CubeSat: EQUULEUS, which is scheduled to be launch in 2019. AQUARIUS uses a storable, safe and non-toxic propellant: water, which allows for the design of all propulsion system below 100 kPa, reduction of dry mass ratio and simplification of feed line routing using soft tubes. AQUARIUS consists of three components as follows: a tank, a vaporization chamber and thruster head. BBM of the vaporization chamber, and the thruster head were designed and tested. The evaporation rate required heat and thrust performance were evaluated. Based on the BBM test results, the engineering model of AQUARIUS was designed.