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.
Delrin fiber (range safety not required)
Available as 1U dual fault tolerant unit with a less than 9-month lead time
Alternate form factors available with additional cost and lead time
Advantages Include:
Simplicity and safety with solid inert polymer propellant
Low-cost propulsion option
Propellant is spooled inside package and easily expanded as needed
No pressure vessel required for propellant
Compact package size as small as 1U
Well-suited for 3U or larger CubeSats