For the most part, the 1,000 or so satellites orbiting the Earth are propelled by their initial thrust and our planet's gravitational force. But there is often the need to reposition satellites and for that, the craft need an assist from some kind of fuel. Some of those satellites use electrospray propulsion to jig around in space, a method that involves shooting liquid or ions through needle-thin nozzles. The force of the expulsion creates thrust in the opposite direction. But electrospray systems are notoriously delicate and prone to breakage, so researchers at Michigan Tech have developed a way to create such a system out of its own fuel source, making the nozzles constantly repairable.
.. Continue Reading Ion-emitting ferrofluid spikes could propel small satellitesCategory: Materials
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from New Atlas http://ift.tt/2uSsdNU
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