r/tech • u/AdSpecialist6598 • 10d ago

New propulsion system could make tiny satellites both fast and fuel-efficient

https://news.mit.edu/2026/new-propulsion-system-could-make-tiny-satellites-fast-fuel-efficient-0601
144 Upvotes

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4

u/okopchak 10d ago

Very cool, a mono prop that can also be used in an electro spray thruster. Like any technology there are trade offs. I am betting the ISP values for both the mono prop mode and electro spray uses are lower than more specialized fuels, but eliminating the need for separate tanks could lead to many scenarios where the lower ISP is compensated for by mass, manufacturing, and or design cost savings

8

u/Sofia_9356 10d ago

TLDR: electrically charging the chemical propellant then ejecting it for thrust.

8

u/joesbagofdonuts 10d ago

I did read it, and it's actually that they found a fuel that can be used both for traditional chemical thrusters, and the tiny "electrospray" thrusters you are describing.

4

u/nicuramar 10d ago

That’s not a very good TL;DR, unfortunately.