VACCO JPL MarCO Micro Propulsion System
VACCO Industries
The VACCO JPL MarCO Micro Propulsion System is a smart, self-contained propulsion module designed for 6U CubeSats, featuring a system-in-a-tank design and flight heritage on the first interplanetary CubeSat.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Mass
- 3.49 kg
- Power
- 0.5 W
- Thrust
- 0.025 N
- Total impulse
- 755 N·s
Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.
As published by the supplier
- Total Impulse
- 755 N-Sec
- Wet Mass
- 3490 gram
- Performance Density
- 354 N-sec/Liter
- Thrusters
- (4) Axial & (4) RCS 25mN Thrusters
- Leakage Protection
- Two Interrupts Against Leakage
- Standby Power
- 0.5 Watt
- Interface
- RS422 Digital Interface
- Control Features
- Controls Burn Type & Duration, Closed-Loop, Variable Thrust Control
- Thermal Control
- (3) Settable Thermal Control Zones
- Electrical Components
- (3) Power Supplies, (9) Valve Drivers
About
The VACCO JPL MarCO Micro Propulsion System is a pioneering micro propulsion unit, notable for being the first used on an interplanetary CubeSat (MarCO). It is a smart, self-contained propulsion module suitable for various 6U CubeSat designs. The system is constructed from all-welded aluminum and features a ‘system-in-a-tank’ design, integrating propellant storage, a feed system, thrusters, and a comprehensive controller and sensor suite. Key features include a total impulse of 755 N-Sec, a wet mass of 3490 grams, and a performance density of 354 N-sec/Liter. It is equipped with four axial and four RCS 25mN thrusters. The system incorporates two interrupts against leakage for enhanced reliability and operates with a standby power of 0.5 Watt. It is microcontroller-driven, offering an RS422 digital interface, control over burn type and duration, and closed-loop, variable thrust control. For thermal management, it includes three settable thermal control zones, three power supplies, and nine valve drivers.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.