Multi-axis precision electrospray propulsion system (BET-300P thrusters) for ultra-precise attitude/orbital control down to 1U platforms.
BET-MAX Electrospray Thruster System
Multi-axis precision electrospray propulsion system (BET-300P thrusters) for ultra-precise attitude/orbital control down to 1U platforms.
Description
Busek's BET-MAX precision reaction control system provides high-resolution control via electrospray propulsion technology. Up to four 125 cm³ BET-300P thrusters per centralized PPU can be positioned as desired to provide attitude or orbital control on platforms as small as 3U, with throttled continuous thrust from under 1 µN up to 150 µN and sub-µN resolution. Each module includes propellant storage sufficient for over 100 N·s of impulse plus all feed components. Spacecraft charge neutralization uses Busek's patented, flight-qualified Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Cathode (CNTFEC). Applications include ultra-precise pointing, reaction wheel desaturation, formation flight, LEO drag compensation, and precision pointing for exoplanet observation and laser communications.
Specifications
| Thruster module | BET-300P passively-fed electrospray thruster, 125 cm³ |
|---|---|
| Thrusters per PPU | Up to 4 |
| Thrust range | < 1 µN to 150 µN, sub-µN resolution |
| Impulse per module | > 100 N·s |
| Neutralizer | Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Cathode (CNTFEC), propellant-less |
| Interface | RS-422 digital control |
| Minimum platform size | 3U |