Systemization and Development Status of Microsatellite-Friendly Multi-Purpose Propulsion System

Abstract

This paper introduces Microsatellite-Friendly Multi-Purpose Propulsion (MFMP-PROP) we proposed as a promising propulsion system using low-toxic propellant for microsatellite, clarifies the development policy and positioning of MFMP-PROP among a variety of propulsion system for microsatellites, and reports the current status of its systemization with the corresponding test results. In addition, the high scalability of MFMP-PROP also makes it suitable for a wide range of missions with microsatellites of 2U to 50kg class. Though the performance of MFMP-PROP is not up to the designed value at present because of too large propellant supply in a prototype of MFMP-1U, this will be solved by optimization of the piping or adding flow adjustment elements. We will continue to further systemize MFMP-PROP and conduct environmental tests to achieve an early space demonstration and utilization.