At the Omsk State Technical University, they talked about a leading development - an engine for spacecraft running on a mixture of water and alcohol (that is, in fact, on vodka).
«The alcohol-water mixture comes from the fuel tank into the automation elements and gets into the microengine. It consists of a large number of gas channels and a heater. When power is applied, the microengine heats up, the fuel evaporates, the generated steam is overheated and creates thrust,” explained senior lecturer of the Department of Aviation and Rocket Construction of OmSTU Anton Lukyanchnik.
The scientist added that the engine design can be easily modified depending on the tasks of the satellite, and the fuel system (tank and pipelines) can be equipped for specific goals. He also noted that scientists were able to increase reliability and reduce the weight and time of creating engine installations.
This engine is capable of solving the main problem of small satellites - the inability to maneuver. Such spacecraft are usually launched into low orbits, which are particularly susceptible to the Earth's gravity. Because of this, the satellite's lifespan is significantly reduced, as it gradually descends from orbit. The compact engine solves this problem - it allows the satellite (independently or remotely) to adjust its position.