Developing a reduced gravity testbed for the nanoparticle field extraction thruster
The Nanoparticle Field Extraction Thruster (NanoFET) is an electric propulsion device under development at the University of Michigan to electrostatically charge and accelerate micro- and nano-particle propellant. During the 2008-2009 academic year, undergraduates comprising the Zero-g ElectroStatic Thruster Testbed team within the Student Space Systems Fabrication Laboratory completed a full design-build-test-fly cycle to develop the first NanoFET prototype with a piezoelectric-based feed system and to implement a thruster testbed for future microgravity flights. Reduced gravity testing was conducted via NASA's Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program based at NASA Johnson Space Center. During the course of the project, the team promoted student growth and future sustainability. The team's organization, work completed, and educational benefits are presented.
