MVP - Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion System

CU Aerospace’s Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion(MVP) system is a low cost, low risk propulsion solution that uses a space-rated polymer fiber spool as its propellant (no liquid or gaseous propellant requiring pressure vessels or valving). MVP provides a CubeSat with orbit altitude change, collision avoidance, and ultimately deorbit capabilities. The MVP has a compact form factor at 0.93U and mass of 1.05 kg, thereby providing propulsion opportunities for smaller CubeSat profiles.

The Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion (MVP) system draws from extrusion 3D printer technology to feed and melt Delrin fiber propellant (a common polymer). MVP then uses a low power resistojet to vaporize the Delrin propellant and provide continuous electrothermal thrust with a specific impulse of 66 s. The Delrin fiber is spooled in a cylindrical configuration surrounding a core containing all the electronics inside the package.

This technology retains performance characteristics competitive with other warm gas systems but enables more accessibility to micropropulsion via dramatically reduced cost and the elimination of range safety concerns. A 0.93-liter sized MVP has a total impulse of 265 N-s and is a compelling option to meet many micropropulsion needs, including collision avoidance maneuvers, limited orbit raising and lowering, drag makeup, and deorbiting.