A report proposes the development of a microfabricated, integrated colloid thruster as a prototype of devices for propulsion and control of the attitudes of microspacecraft. (In a colloid thruster, a beam of positively charged, microscopic droplets is extracted electrohydrodynamically from a column of liquid and accelerated electrostatically to produce thrust.) Unlike other electrical thrusters, colloid thrusters are amenable to extreme miniaturization. The direction of thrust would be controlled electronically through selective activation of accelerator electrodes, eliminating the need for mechanical gimbals.

This work was done by Mohammed Mojarradi, Juergen Mueller, Jay Polk, and Colleen Marrese-Reading of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, “A Fully Integrated Micro-Colloid Thruster System for Microspacecraft Applications,” access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp  under the Machinery/Automation category.

In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to Intellectual Assets Office JPL Mail Stop 202-233 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena, CA 91109 (818) 354-2240 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Refer to NPO-20945, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.



This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Document cover
Integrated Colloid Thrusters for Microspacecraft

(reference NPO-20945) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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