Piezo-Actuated, Fast-Acting Control Valve

High-power electric propulsion systems have the potential to revolutionize space propulsion due to their extremely high performance. This can result in significant propellant savings on space vehicles, allowing the overall mass to shrink for launch on a less expensive vehicle, or to allow the space vehicle to carry more payload at the same weight. Many electrical propulsion systems operate in pulse mode, pulsing hundreds or thousands of times per second. Creating reliable valves that can operate in pulse mode for extremely long periods and at low power is critical in these applications. Current solenoid valves have difficulty achieving the life requirements. In addition, a valve with the ability to throttle has the potential to simplify the entire propulsion system by eliminating the need for pressure regulators or latching valves.