AFRL Propulsion Unit for Cubesats (PUC)

The VACCO AFRL Propulsion Unit for Cubesats(PUC) is a delta-v propulsion system specifically optimized for CubeSats. The propulsion module is available in a variety of sizes from 0.14U to 1U with features that include minimal payload displacement, high delta-v, low mass, low power and a simple control interface.

Development hardware has been extensively tested including 75,000+ cold gas firings in a vacuum chamber.

The self-contained propulsion system includes an integral controller,propellant storage, propellant feed system, sensors and a 5.4 mN warm gas thruster. Reliability is ensured through simplicity of design, welded titanium construction and frictionless valve technology.

Features

  • Scalable from 0.25U to 1U
  • Minimal payload displacement
  • High total impulse and delta-V
  • 5.4 mN CU Aerospace MCD thruster
  • Low power
    • 15 watts firing in warm gas mode
    • 0.055 watts in standby mode
  • Simple control interface
  • Reliable, frictionless valve technology

AFRL Propulsion Unit for Cubesats (PUC) Data Sheet pdf-icon

Performance Matrix

UNIT TOTAL IMPULSE (N/SEC) DELTA-V, 3 KG CUBESAT (METERS/SEC) DELTA-V, 4 KG CUBESAT (METERS/SEC) DRY MAS(GRAMS)
0.25U 183 64 47 434
0.50U 320 121 87 568
1U 595 234 167 835

Performance characteristics are based on customer requirements. As such, they are not representative of component capabilities or limitations.

Envelope Drawing

Sizes 0.14U To 1U Available

Propulsion-Unit-Envelope-Drawing

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Propulsion-Unit-Sizes

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