Miniature Rocket Thruster: CubeSat's Microchip-like Propulsion System
Imperial College is developing a rocket thruster called the ICE-Cube Thruster, which is so small that it can only be fabricated using techniques used for making silicon chips. The thruster, about the size of a fingernail, uses ordinary water as its propellant, breaking it down into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. This green technology reduces payload and simplifies storage and handling systems. The combustion chamber and nozzle are fabricated using Micro-Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS) techniques, normally used for machining silicon wafers, allowing for precise manufacturing in two dimensions.