"ESA's Miniature Pinhole Thruster Enters Production Phase"

The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing in miniaturized propulsion technology with the development of the Athena thruster, a palm-sized system designed for cubesats and small satellites. Created by IENAI Space, this thruster uses electrospray technology to eject electrically charged particles from pinhole emitters, providing efficient propulsion in space. The eco-friendly thrusters can be reconfigured in flight and are expected to be prototyped by the end of 2024, potentially revolutionizing the maneuverability and deployment of small spacecraft.