The VACCO Standard Micro-Propulsion System (MiPS) is a low-cost, cold gas propulsion module designed for CubeSats.Using Chemically Etched Micro System (ChEMS™) technology, VACCO has produced a complete CubeSat propulsion module including propellant storage, pressurization, distribution, thrusters, and controller. This simple, highly integrated design uses a self-pressurizing liquid propellant that is expelled as a gas.The 0.3U MiPS is capable of 44 N-Sec of total impulse with up to 880,000 firings, MiPS brings true propulsion capabilities to micro-spacecraft for formation flying, attitude control and velocity change (delta-v).Features
- Five thrusters for pitch, yaw, roll and delta-v 10 mN thrust
- Up to 880,000 minimum impulse firings
- Frictionless valves
- Inherently safe, non-toxic R134a propellant
- All-welded aluminum alloy construction
- Light weight
- Minimal re-entry hazard
- Smart system with integral controller
- Simple RS422 digital interface
- Integral sensor suite
- Closed-loop vector pointing
- Closed-loop thrust vector control
Standard Micro Propulsion System Data Sheet 
Operating Parameters
| Nominal Thrust | 10 mN @ 20ºC | Vibration | 16 Grms |
| Specific Impulse | 40 sec | Minimum Impulse Bit | 0.05 mN-sec |
| Total Impulse | 44 to 250 N-sec | Operating Voltage | 9.0 to 12.6 vdc |
| Internal Leakage | <1 x 103 sccs GHe | Mass (Including Propellant) | 542 grams (wet) |
| External Leakage | <1 x 10-6 sccs GHe | Stand-By Power | 0.25 watts |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C | Maximum Steady-State Power | 10 watts |
Performance characteristics are based on customer requirements. As such, they are not representative of component capabilities or limitations.
Envelope Drawing
0.3U
1U
| PART NUMBER | SIZE | DEPTH(MM) | “WET” MASS (GRAMS) | TOTAL IMPULSE (N-SEC) |
| X14029003-1 | 0.3U | 30 | 542 mN-sec | 44 mN-sec |
| X14029003-4 | 0.5U | 50 | 743 | 103 |
| X14029003-7 | 0.8U | 80 | 1044 | 191 |
| X14029003-9 | 1U | 100 | 1245 | 250 |
