(384g) Green Cubesat Propulsion: Using Hands-on Experimentation to Develop Knowledge and Interest in STEM and NASA Career Opportunities.

Finding sustainable methods of spacecraft propulsion is an essential element in the continuation of space exploration. CubeSat propulsion systems are severely space constrained posing a challenge for researchers to find sustainable yet practical propellants. Historically, CubeSats were used as low-cost tools for science and research missions. They have also been touted as an exciting hands-on way to involve high-school students in space missions. As CubeSat use has exploded during the past decade, micro propulsion systems became necessary to facilitate guidance navigation and attitude control (GNAC), especially past low earth orbit (LEO). These GNAC systems need a compact propulsion systems that use safers and environmentally friendly propellants.

This presentation discusses CubeSat propulsion research conducted at the University of Arizona over the past three years as part of a NASA MUREP project aimed at educating students through hands-on experiences and meet NASA education goals by strengthening the future workforce for NASA and the nation. The challenges of providing hands-on experimental opportunities during COVID mandated school closure as well as the transition back to socially distanced on-campus activities will be discussed.

Graduate and Undergraduate students explored several CubeSat propulsion technologies using water as the propellant including solar thermal propulsion and resistojet thrusters up to 0.5N. Other groups investigated electrolyzer processes for on-board production of hydrogen and oxygen propellants for engines up to 2N. In this configuration, water is considered as a propulsion storage medium. The presentation will discuss developing system criteria, experimental design and construction and experimental results. Use of low-cost, commercially available components such as educational PEM electrolyzers was emphasized in line with the CubeSats initial mission as a low-cost easy access to space technology. Common pitfalls encountered by the teams will be presented and how each team overcame roadblocks such as ordering delays, equipment malfunctions and system scaling.