MEMS Vaporazing Liquid Microthruster: A Comprehensive Review

The interest in developing efficient nano and pico-satellites has grown the last 20 years. Secondary propulsion systems capable of serving specific maneuvers are an essential part these small satellites. In particular, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Vaporizing Liquid Microthrusters (VLM), using water as a propellant, represent today smart choice terms simplicity cost. this paper, we first propose review international literature focused on MEMS VLM development, reviewing different geometries heating solutions proposed literature. Then, focus critical aspect micro thrusters: presence unstable phenomena. boiling instabilities reverse channel flow substantially impact VLMs’ performance limit their applicability. Finally, research passive active control instabilities, based geometry optimization strategies, respectively. Today, ones two principal axes followed by scientific community to mitigate drawbacks linked use VLMs.