MIT Readies 1-Tank Dual-Mode CubeSat Propulsion for November NASA Test

3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Jun 4

A briefcase-sized CubeSat carrying one chemical thruster and four electrospray thrusters is set for a NASA-linked November mission to test MIT’s shared-tank propulsion system.
The design uses a single load of ASCENT green monopropellant to power both fast chemical burns and slower, precise electric maneuvers, eliminating the need for two separate propellant tanks.
Lab tests showed the U.S. Air Force-developed fuel worked in electrospray thrusters about as efficiently as conventional ionic liquids, while spinning a cube-shaped test satellite.
MIT says the two-in-one setup could let cheaper small satellites travel beyond Earth orbit—to Mars or the asteroid belt—while retaining flexibility for rapid repositioning and long-duration cruising.

Sources

Gizmodo7h ago

MIT Engineers Develop Two-in-One Propulsion for Small Satellites to Explore Deep Space

Tomorrow's World Today1d ago

MIT Engineers Develop Dual-Mode Propulsion for Small Satellites

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Beyond Mars, what new frontiers could swarms of tiny, self-propelled satellites realistically explore with this breakthrough propulsion?

Does combining two propulsion systems into one create new risks that could compromise ambitious deep space missions?

With competitors also developing dual-mode systems, how will this technology stand out in the rapidly growing small satellite market?

NASA’s GPDM Mission: Pioneering Dual-Mode Green Propulsion for Advanced CubeSat Maneuverability

Overview

The Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) mission, led by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, is advancing CubeSat technology by testing a new dual-mode propulsion system on a 6U CubeSat. This system combines chemical and electrospray thrusters that share a single, green propellant called ASCENT. By integrating these two types of thrusters, the mission aims to demonstrate both powerful maneuvers and precise control in a compact spacecraft. The GPDM mission highlights how small satellites can enable affordable, high-impact technology demonstrations and foster collaboration across government, industry, and academia.

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