The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 25, 2020
Filed:
Aug. 17, 2017
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Falls Church, VA (US);
Daniel R. Sherman, Torrance, CA (US);
Edward Lukas, Encino, CA (US);
Brandon Quon, Gardena, CA (US);
Kurt Shaffer, Hermosa Beach, CA (US);
Jonathan H. Dang, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Matthew J. Pirih, San Pedro, CA (US);
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Falls Church, VA (US);
Abstract
A microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) and its control system is disclosed and claimed. The MET control system uses a dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO) in series with a GaN MMIC-based Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) to generate microwave energy, transfer it to a thrust chamber, and heat a propellant that exits a nozzle, providing thrust. The control system uses feedback to provide autonomous control of the MET. A wide variety of propellants may be used, including, for example, hydrazine, ammonia, and water.