Developers from the Novosibirsk company "Modern Engineering and Automation" (SIA) have created a new modification of engines for small satellites. It is planned that the new engine will be used in the groupings of Roscosmos vehicles.
The company's CEO, Roman Zakharov, noted that initially SIA engineers were making a modification for nanosatellites, the so-called Cubsats, but now the trend is changing to satellites of 20–50 kg, which need a larger supply of water to increase maneuverability.
To implement mass production, the engineers found an industrial partner. The new engine modification will be used in Roscosmos satellite groupings such as Grifon and Marathon.
The engine is a steam generator. Water from the tank enters the heat exchanger, is brought to a boil due to the energy of the satellite, after which superheated steam exits through a supersonic nozzle.
The engine is characterized by its compactness; the new modification can be installed on satellites weighing up to 100 kg, Zakharov added.
I think that in a year or two, in 2026–2027, we will try to make 50–100 engines. Currently, there are six satellites in orbit equipped with water engines of the previous modification, developed by the company.
A feature of the new engine production technology is in external fuel tanks. This will allow them to be more maneuverable in orbit and quickly change direction.
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