Sbir phase II: advanced propulsion system for spacecraft based on the unresolved longitudinal ampere tension forces in conductors

This Cooperative Agreement award of $1,000,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (CFDA 47.084) program supports the development of an advanced propellant-less propulsion system for small satellites by Field Propulsion Technologies Inc., a small business based in Aurora, Colorado.

The project aims to create a prototype propulsion device utilizing a specialized metamaterial based on graphene composite that can generate thrust through unresolved longitudinal Ampere forces in conductors. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the space industry by reducing reliance on traditional propellants, lowering mission costs, increasing flexibility, and extending spacecraft lifetimes. Phase II of the project will scale up the initial proof-of-concept prototype to generate up to 0.1 Newtons of force and validate its performance in a space-like environment, paving the way for integration into an operational satellite propulsion system.

Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this phase II small business innovation research (sbir) project is a propulsion system that has far-reaching implications for the space industry and beyond. This propulsion system for spacecraft could revolutionize the space industry by reducing reliance on traditional propellants. The propulsion system is one of the critical satellite subsystems and the proposed technology will lower space mission costs, increase mission flexibility, and extend spacecraft lifetimes. IT will enable zero-emission impulse for satellites, and facilitate efficient satellite RE-entry into the atmosphere, mitigating the problem of space debris. The space industry is shifting toward a future in which large constellations of small satellites deliver all types of satellite services efficiently and in large geographical areas or across the globe. The size of the small satellite propulsion system market is estimated to grow at a continued 18% yearly, to reach $1.0 billion by 2032. This advancement is paving the way for a more sustainable and accessible future in space exploration. IT fosters space exploration and innovation, enhancing global competitiveness and unveiling new possibilities for mankind's use of space. This sbir phase II project proposes to develop an advanced propulsion device prototype suitable for small satellite operations in orbit. This will represent a first of a kind propulsion technology that can fulfill major orbital satellite maneuvering, and the current stage development of alternative technologies does not offer a solution in the short to medium term either. The key innovation behind the proposed solution is a new class of specially engineered metamaterial, based on a special graphene composite, that utilizes the unresolved longitudinal forces or ampere tension forces in conductors to produce thrust. Technical proof-of-concept has been reached by building a lab prototype that produced external forces as large as a few millinewtons, using currents in the range of a few milliamperes. The proposed phase II is aimed at scaling up this prototype, strengthening the metamaterial for use in a more space-like environment, and demonstrating sufficient thrust to move a small satellite in space. Phase II will generate a prototype generating up to tenths of newtons of force, that will be validated in conditions representative of the space environment. After phase II, the technology will be ready to be integrated into a real satellite propulsion system and utilized for in-space demonstration. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.