Micromachined electric propulsion using ionic liquids as fuel

MEMS-based electric propulsion (EP) presents several advantages over conventional EP approaches, including scalability, redundancy, fine thrust control, low thrust noise, and reduced operation voltage. Small spacecraft (1- 100 kg) in particular stand to benefit from MEMS-based propulsion. The design, microfabrication and performance of an electrospray thruster with integrated individual extractor electrodes are reported. Micro-machining technologies were employed to achieve large emitter density, simple integration and high structural repeatability.