MIT Demonstrates 1 Propellant for Dual-Mode CubeSat Thrusters, Eyes November NASA Test
Updated
Updated · MIT News · Jun 1
MIT Demonstrates 1 Propellant for Dual-Mode CubeSat Thrusters, Eyes November NASA Test
3 articles · Updated · MIT News · Jun 1
Summary
MIT engineers showed that ASCENT—a green monopropellant originally developed for chemical propulsion—can also power electrospray thrusters, enabling one fuel tank to support both fast bursts and precise maneuvers on small satellites.
In lab tests, 1 gram of ASCENT fueled thumbnail-sized thrusters mounted on a CubeSat mockup, delivering thrust comparable to conventional ionic-liquid electrospray propellants during runs lasting up to 100 hours.
The result could shrink propulsion hardware by eliminating separate fuel systems, giving briefcase-sized spacecraft more maneuverability for weather monitoring, climate observations and longer interplanetary missions.
NASA and MIT plan to test the concept in the Green Propulsion Dual Mode mission, a CubeSat scheduled to launch in November with one chemical thruster and four electrospray thrusters sharing a single tank.
If the flight succeeds, MIT researchers say dual-mode CubeSats could travel slowly to Mars or the asteroid belt with electric thrust, then switch to chemical propulsion for rapid local maneuvers.
With its launch months away, will a single 'green' fuel unlock deep space for briefcase-sized satellites?
What hidden risks could ground the interplanetary ambitions of MIT's 'one fuel fits all' satellite system?
Revolutionizing CubeSat Missions: The 2026 GPDM Demonstration of Green Dual-Mode ASCENT Propulsion
Overview
Launched in January 2026, the Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) mission is now in its critical demonstration phase, representing a major advance in small satellite technology. By addressing the challenge of fitting essential components like fuel into compact satellite structures, the GPDM system is engineered to simplify integration and boost both the capabilities and lifespan of small satellites. Its main goal is to demonstrate dual-mode propulsion using ASCENT propellant, paving the way for more efficient and versatile satellite operations. This mission aims to revolutionize how small satellites are designed and operated, setting a new standard for the industry.