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The Innovation:
Solar Photothermal Thrust
Our Solar Photothermal Thruster uses a photothermal absorber (graphene-based absorber) to efficiently convert sunlight into localized heat that drives interfacial photothermal evaporation, producing propellant mass flow and thrust in a compact form factor. The result is a propulsion approach designed to be highly efficient at turning watts into milli-Newtons, supporting fast maneuvers without requiring large power systems
Why it matters
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More thrust per watt: optimized for maneuver rate and mission agility at CubeSat power levels
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Operational simplicity: water as a working fluid supports safer handling and simplified logistics compared with many conventional propellants
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Compact “maneuver package” path: architecture designed to integrate as a subsystem with clear interfaces (power, command/telemetry, thermal, plume keep-outs)
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Scalable platform: a development path from CubeSat propulsion “beachhead” to broader smallsat maneuver and disposal applications
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