VACCO CubeSat Propulsion and ChEMS Flow Control Modules

VACCO’s Chemically Etched Micro Systems (ChEMS, patent #6,334,301) technology produces highly integrated fluid control systems using titanium micro-manifolds, combining robust construction, compact size and low mass ideal for space applications such as electric propulsion feed systems, micro-propulsion systems, and electronic pressure regulators. ChEMS modules combine integral electronic controllers (with custom or bus interfaces such as RS-422), filters from 2 to 100 microns absolute, pressure/temperature sensors from 20 to 3,000 psia, high- and low-pressure normally-closed and latch valves, proportional control valves, flow resistors, cold- and warm-gas thrusters, and heaters. VACCO’s Xenon Flow Control Module (XFCM), a ChEMS variant qualified for NASA, is a fully independent electric-propulsion feed subsystem. VACCO CubeSat propulsion systems include the JPL MarCO cold-gas micro-propulsion system (the first CubeSats to fly to Mars alongside NASA InSight), NEA Scout and CuSP cold-gas systems, the AFRL Propulsion Unit for CubeSats (PUC, warm gas), a green monopropellant propulsion system, and a Redundant SmallSat Propulsion Controller.