ENPULSION NANO Thruster (IFM Nano Thruster)
ENPULSION GmbH
Self-contained indium FEEP electric propulsion system for CubeSats — up to 0.35 mN thrust, 2,000–6,000 s Isp, 680 g dry mass, >5,000 N·s total impulse.
Technical specifications
- Thrust Range
- 0.01–0.35 mN
- Specific Impulse
- 2,000–6,000 s
- Input Power
- 8–40 W (3.5 W hot standby)
- Dry Mass
- 680 g
- Wet Mass
- 900 g
- Propellant Mass
- 220 g (±5%)
- Propellant Type
- Solid indium (FEEP)
- Total Impulse
- >5,000 N·s
- Dimensions
- 100 × 100 × 82.5 mm
- Operating Voltage
- 12 V or 28 V (others on request)
- Operating Temp Range
- -20 to +40°C
- Survival Temp Range
- -40 to +105°C
About
The ENPULSION NANO Thruster (formerly IFM Nano Thruster) is a fully self-contained Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) system for nano- and microsatellites. It uses solid indium as propellant, which is locally melted and electrostatically accelerated and ionized at the emitter tips, avoiding the need for pressurized tanks or toxic propellants.
The thruster provides continuously throttleable thrust from 10 to 350 µN with operator-selectable specific impulse between 2,000 and 6,000 seconds, trading off thrust against propellant efficiency. Total impulse capability exceeds 5,000 N·s from 220 g of propellant. The unit integrates the propellant tank, emitter, neutralizer, and power processing electronics into a single package matching a 1U CubeSat face, drawing 8–40 W depending on operating point, with a 3.5 W hot-standby mode. Applications include orbit raising, station-keeping, constellation phasing, formation flying, and deorbiting.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.