The Future of CubeSat Propulsion

The video discusses CubeSats, small satellites used for experiments, and their propulsion challenges. It covers two propulsion methods: cold gas propulsion, which is simple and used for attitude control, and electron cyclotron resonance (ECR), which is complex but efficient. Cold gas systems are lightweight and safe but have low thrust, while ECR offers high efficiency but requires precise conditions. Each CubeSat mission may require different propulsion based on its needs.

What is a primary challenge when designing CubeSats?

• Making them waterproof

• Ensuring they are visible from Earth

• Packing all necessary components into a small space

• Finding a suitable launch vehicle

Which gas is NOT typically used in cold gas propulsion systems?

• Oxygen

• Butane

• Argon

• Nitrogen

What is a disadvantage of cold gas propulsion?

• High cost

• High complexity

• Low specific impulse

• Requires radioactive materials

What does the ECR propulsion system use to generate plasma?

• Lasers

• Microwaves

• Chemical reactions

• Solar panels

What is a benefit of using ECR propulsion over cold gas propulsion?

• Simpler design

• Faster production

• Lower cost

• Higher specific impulse

Why might ECR propulsion be less suitable for low Earth orbit missions?

• It requires too much power

• It has low absolute thrust

• It is too heavy

• It is not reliable

What determines the choice of propulsion system for a CubeSat mission?

• The color of the CubeSat

• The mission's specific propulsion needs

• The launch date

• The number of CubeSats being launched