CubeSat Propulsion

Two videos on YouTube video show the concept for a CubeSat propulsion system using plasma electrolysis of water.

This prototype shows that thrust can be produced by plasma electrolysis - it burns water, so to speak.

The system has to be optimized to avoid "unburned" droplets. In this early prototype the water injection is triggered manually by short pumping bursts of an electric membrane pump. The next version will be designed to have an active burn control and the ability to operate with low voltage (high amps).

Hopefully the integration in nanosatellites will be possible.

Built by Paul Kocyla

Watch Water Plasma Thruster (Equinoxe) - Proof of Concept

The second video shows a graphical tour around a CubeSat with such a thruster, the description reads:

The Equinoxe water burning thruster could be used for cubesat propulsion. The working prototype shows that thrust can be produced by plasma electrolysis of water. No pyretechnics is needed.

Production: Paul Kocyla, visit http://www.pk-remote.com/
Music: Das Blaue Monster - Planeten

Watch - Equinoxe Thruster in Cubesat (Concept)