Integrated Colloid Thrusters for Microspacecraft

A report proposes the development of a microfabricated, integrated colloid thruster as a prototype of devices for propulsion and control of the attitudes of microspacecraft. (In a colloid thruster, a beam of positively charged, microscopic droplets is extracted electrohydrodynamically from a column of liquid and accelerated electrostatically to produce thrust.) Unlike other electrical thrusters, colloid thrusters are amenable to extreme miniaturization. The direction of thrust would be controlled electronically through selective activation of accelerator electrodes, eliminating the need for mechanical gimbals.