ATHENA, developed by ESA and IENAI Space, utilizes small emitter arrays on a silicon wafer to offer scalable and effective propulsion for small satellites like CubeSats. Credit: IENAI SpaceATHENA, a brand-new electrospray propulsion system by ESA and IENAI Space, uses ingenious, scalable propulsion for little satellites, with the final product anticipated by next year.A palm-sized propulsion option for future area missions: each one of these seven emitter varieties engraved onto this silicon wafer utilizing micro- and nano-technology possesses more than 500 pinhole-sized emitters that spray out ions, sped up via an electrostatic field to take full advantage of thrust.Electrospray Technology: A Breakthrough for CubeSatsInherently scalable, this electrospray innovation is being developed as a cost- and mass-effective method of moving CubeSats and other small satellites. For the very first time in Europe, this ionic-liquid based electrospray propulsion system has accomplished more than 400 hours of constant operation. “Everyone knows that area is difficult, however we like to say that propulsion is harder,” comments Daniel Pérez Grande, CEO & & Co-founder of IENAI Space in Spain, developing the innovation for ESA. “Developing a new innovation, which we have built from scratch, has been no simple task, however we are confident that our propulsion products will stick out in the market for their incredible performance and personalization capabilities; and in reality, we have already been approached by a variety of interested celebrations in the industry.”ATHENA: A Leap Forward in Space PropulsionKnown as ATHENA (Adaptable THruster based on Electrospray powered by Nanotechnology), this system is one of 3 presently being established by ESA to harness electrospray propulsion for area. ATHENA depends on conductive ionic-liquid salts as a fuel. This liquid flows through nano-textured cone-shaped emitters to be accelerated in between an emitter and an extractor operating at different electric capacities. The interaction between the surface area tension of the liquid and the applied electrostatic field forms ions that can be sprayed out at very high speeds (on the order of 20km/s), creating the force to move the satellite.The micro-fabricated ATHENA system has the benefit of highly personalized thrust, using non-toxic green propellants with no requirement for pressurized tanks. And the thrusters can be clustered together easily as required– an overall of 6 would fit onto the 10 cm face of a single CubeSat unit. These systems can then be further clustered to provide thrust for satellites of as much as 50kg in mass.Future Prospects and DevelopmentThe job has actually now passed its Preliminary Design Review, targeting a final item by the end of next year. Advancement has actually been supported through ESAs General Support Technology Programme, preparing innovative items and services for spaceflight and the free market.