Abstract
In the proposed gas-liquid equilibrium thruster, fuel is mainly stored in the liquid phase in the tank and is ejected in the gas phase, powered by the vapor pressure of the fuel. As compared to conventional thrusters, the thrust level of this thruster is low. However, the system configuration of this thruster is simple because components such as combustors or high-pressure reservoirs are not required. Further, this thruster is lighter than other thrusters. Fuels with low toxicity and that are easily available can be selected in this thruster from many kinds of fuel candidates. As a result, this thruster can be easily handled. This thruster can be used as an actuator for controlling the attitude and maneuvering the orbit of small satellites.
