The developers of the prototype propulsion system in a mixture of distilled water and ethyl alcohol are the engineers of the Samara University. The choice of such a working body of the Russian University scientists explain that water has small molecular weight, which allows to obtain high velocity of the steam, and the addition of a mixture of alcohol, in turn, allows to prevent the fuel freezing at low temperatures in earth orbit.
Before the fuel mixture enters the nozzle, it evaporates with the help of electric heater. The resulting evaporation steam heated to the desired temperature of the same heater. The ratio of water and alcohol is 60 to 40%. According to the developers, this mixture is safe because it does not contain combustible components. In addition, it is non-toxic, therefore not harmful to the environment. Maximum mass of the fully fueled new propulsion system is of the order of 1.55 kg. the Expected total impulse speed — 80 m/s.
“University scientists have developed a full set of design documentation and manufactured a prototype of a propulsion system for water-alcohol mixtures for maneuvering nanosatellite SamSat-M. Now tested the prototype, at the same time the design of the experimental nanosatellite for conducting flight tests”, — quotes the words of the representatives of the press center of the University of the Agency TASS.
The new development will significantly broaden the capabilities of the compact spacecraft. With the help of nano-satellites to solve the most different tasks. For example, they can be used to study the ionosphere of the Earth, to collect data for analysis of the likelihood of natural disasters, to monitor the asteroids, and also to inspect other spacecraft in earth orbit.
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In water and alcohol: in Russia, has developed a new engine for nanosatellites
Nikolai Khizhnyak