Satellite technology is a fundamental cornerstone of the modern age. From GPS to satellite images to television, our everyday life is full of examples that rely on satellites. Many of these applications require satellites to remain in orbit at specific positions. This means that a method is needed to move and position spacecraft in orbit. Electrospray thrusters are one such solution. These belong to the class of electric thrusters, which are characterized by their very high efficiency. Just as computers, for example, are becoming smaller and smaller, there is also a trend towards smaller satellites, which means that there is great interest in miniaturized thrusters. The picture shows miniaturized electrospray thrusters that have been manufactured completely additively using a micro 3D printing process. Such an engine consists of one or more micro-nozzles with a diameter smaller than the diameter of a human hair and an electrode. The picture shows such nozzles placed under an electrode. The engine shown is assembled from several parts using a modular “click” process.
