Specialists from the Ryazan State Radio Engineering University (RGRTU) named after V. F. Utkin have created mobile jet engines for ultra-small spacecraft. The mass of some devices does not exceed 10 grams.
A certificate of registration as a utility model was received from Rospatent in 2024, and now the invention is awaiting a series of examinations and checks from the state agency. The engines submitted for patent are intended for picosatellites (from 100 g to 1 kg), femtosatellites (less than 100 g), and adosatellites (up to 10 g).
We are already accustomed to cubesats - satellites weighing up to 10 kg. However, technology is developing, and increasingly miniature devices are required to solve a number of space problems. Our development will give such devices the ability to maneuver with high accuracy.
It is planned that the new devices will be launched in a cloud of satellites with the ability to line up in different configurations, receive and transmit signals using phased arrays, and create networks for intercepting cosmic particles.
According to the developer, the working matrix structure of the new engines — microcells, each of which has its own charge with fuel. Scientists are working on different versions of such systems, they can be made multi-layered. When the fuel runs out, the cells can be discarded to free up space for new lower layers.
Such structures can be compared to pixels on a monitor screen. They light up, receiving a signal from the control device, and as a result, an image is formed from a multitude of pixels. The same is true in a matrix propulsion system: charges on different sides of the device, when turned on, will set the direction of its movement. This is how the concept of digital jet microengines is implemented.
Full-size models for ultra-small space satellites have already been created. The developers' future plans include debugging the operation of the devices and integrating them into specified space programs.
Earlier www1.ru reported that small spacecraft developed by MSTU named after Bauman collected data for Roshydromet in orbit.
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