The investigation to be proposed will involve the technology demonstration of a multi-mode propulsion thruster integrated into a 3U cubesat. The multi-mode propulsion system can provide both large and…

This federal contract award, valued at $197,014.67, was granted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the University of Missouri System, doing business as Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T). The award is a cooperative agreement to support the development and demonstration of a multi-mode propulsion thruster integrated into a 3U CubeSat. The project will leverage Missouri S&T's expertise in spacecraft propulsion, microsatellite design, power, and guidance, navigation, and control to mentor a team of undergraduate students in designing, fabricating, testing, and operating the CubeSat on-orbit. The multi-mode thruster will be used to perform a large orbital maneuver and then execute a gradual reentry. This effort is intended to expand the mission capabilities of CubeSats through the use of advanced propulsion technology. The award does not have a set-aside designation.

The investigation to be proposed will involve the technology demonstration of a multi-mode propulsion thruster integrated into a 3U cubesat. The multi-mode propulsion system can provide both large and small thrust profiles, enabling expanded mission capabilities. Historically, the use of cubesat propulsion systems on orbit has been limited. The strengths of missouri s & t faculty in spacecraft propulsion, microsatellite design, power, and GN & c will be used to mentor a multidisciplinary team of undergraduates to design, fabricate, test, and conduct operations on-orbit to enable project success. Mission operations will use a launch to low earth orbit secured through a NASA csli application. Once on-orbit, the multi-mode thruster will be used in its high-thrust mode to execute a relatively large maneuver to lower the orbit perigee by a significant amount. The multi-mode thruster will then be operated in its low-thrust mode to decay the orbit until reentry occurs. The functionality of the thruster will be validated by post-processing of telemetry data by the undergraduate team to determine both the low and high thrust values achieved. The technical, leadership, and project skills for the student project team will be developed through careful mentoring by the PI and the three CO-investigator faculty members. A doctoral graduate student (with experience from a summer internship at JPL, as well as leading a missouri s & t team developing and preparing to fly a microsatellite in the near future after placing first in afrl's nanosat 8 competition) will guide the student team on a daily basis. Guidance from colleagues at NASA ames and marshall will be sought as well. A preliminary student team has been formed, composed mostly of junior-level students committed to the full duration of the 18- month project (from the commencing of the project in january 2016 through july 2017). A student team leader has been named, and eighteen students are currently on the multidisciplinary team. Others will be added as needed as the project progresses. Form nress