NASA C-POD Micro Propulsion System
VACCO Industries
The NASA C-POD Micro Propulsion System is a self-contained reaction control module designed for 3U CubeSats, providing precise attitude control and rendezvous/proximity operations using non-toxic R236fa propellant.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Mass
- 1.24 kg
- Power
- 0.25 W
- Thrust
- 0.002 N
- Specific impulse
- 40 s
- Total impulse
- 186 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
- Operating Temperature Range
- 0°C to 60°C
- Total Impulse
- 186 N-sec
- Operating Voltage
- 9 to 12.6 vdc
- Nominal Continuous Thrust
- 10 mN +/- 2 mN
- Max Standby Power Consumption
- 0.25 watts
- Minimal Impulse Bit
- 0.50 mN-sec
- Max Steady-State Power
- 5 watts
- Thruster Valve Response
- <2 mSec
- Specific Impulse (Isp)
- 40 s
- Estimated Weight with Propellant
- 1,244 grams
About
VACCO’s NASA C-POD Micro Propulsion System is a self-contained unit engineered to fit within the center of a 3U CubeSat. It features a total of eight thrusters, arranged in groups of two at each of the four corners of the module, enabling precise rendezvous and proximity operations, as well as full CubeSat attitude control. The system utilizes R236fa propellant, which self-pressurizes across its normal operating temperature range, contributing to range safety. This smart system is designed to interface with the spacecraft via an RS422 data bus for command and control. The NASA C-POD Micro CubeSat Propulsion System can be scaled down from 0.8U to meet specific mission and payload requirements. Key features include inherently safe non-toxic R236fa propellant, two seals to prevent propellant leakage, eight fast-response, low-power 10 mN cold gas thrusters, an integral electronic controller, aluminum construction, and a lightweight design that ensures destruction during re-entry. It also incorporates a proportional heater and temperature sensor for precise control of propellant pressure.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.