Researchers at Omsk State Technical University unveil a novel hydrocarbon-free propulsion concept for small spacecraft
Scientists at Omsk State Technical University have developed an innovative propulsion system for compact space vehicles that runs on an alcohol and water mixture. This breakthrough paves the way for new maneuvering capabilities in satellite constellations and could transform how small spacecraft operate in space. The team shared these findings through the university’s press service, highlighting the practical potential of the technology for modern orbital operations.
Small spacecraft, or SSCs, typically range in mass from one to five hundred kilograms. They are widely employed for Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and a variety of space surveillance tasks. These missions usually require efficient propulsion for precise repositioning, station-keeping, and orbital adjustments. In the crowded environment of low Earth orbit, where gravity is strong and orbital slots are valuable, compact propulsion units must deliver reliable thrust, conserve power, and minimize fuel weight. The new engine design is positioned to meet these demands while prioritizing safety and simplicity in the propellant handling process.
Current propulsion methods for SSCs frequently rely on refrigerant-based or hydrocarbon gases that pose health risks or environmental concerns. The proposed engine uses a safe alcohol-water mixture as fuel, a combination designed to minimize hazards for operators and the surrounding environment while still delivering the required performance for microthrust itself. The core concept involves delivering the alcohol-water fuel from a storage tank to an automated micro engine. Inside the engine there is a network of microchannels and a heating element. When voltage energizes the system, the micromotor heats the liquid, causing it to vaporize. The resulting vapor generates thrust as it expands, enabling the spacecraft to adjust its attitude or trajectory. This approach avoids more dangerous propellant chemistries while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for small platforms.
The envisioned gains from adopting this system include improved maneuverability for small satellites and the potential to form coordinated orbital constellations with diverse mission profiles. In practice, teams could tailor a propulsion package to specific missions without overhauling the entire platform. The automation components, such as valves and sensors, could stay the same while the fuel delivery system is configured to suit different tasks. Such modularity supports rapid mission adaptation and could shorten development cycles for new SSCs. As noted by senior lecturer Anton Lukyanchik from the Department of Aeronautical and Rocket Engineering, the architecture supports straightforward customization to meet varying mission requirements while keeping the basic propulsion core intact and reliable. This flexibility is especially valuable for tasks like dynamic reconfiguration of satellites in response to changing science goals or communication needs, where the same hardware can power multiple operational modes.
The team emphasizes that the essential parts needed to assemble prototype propulsion units were acquired by the university at the end of 2022 under the Priority 2030 program, a national initiative connecting science and higher education. With the hardware in hand, researchers have begun the assembly process and plan to conduct vacuum chamber testing by the end of the year. These tests will simulate the harsh conditions of space, verifying the behavior of the alcohol-water propulsion cycle under extreme temperatures and low pressures. The results will inform iterative refinements, with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and safety of operation in real orbital environments. If successful, the approach could influence how small satellites are designed and deployed in future satellite fleets, enabling more agile and responsive space systems that can support a wide array of scientific and commercial activities. The ongoing work reflects a broader national push to develop independent, safe, and cost-effective space propulsion technologies that can enhance Canada and the United States space ecosystems through collaborative research and technology transfer. The aspiration is to deliver propulsion solutions that align with modern missions and regulatory frameworks while maintaining a strong emphasis on human safety and environmental stewardship. This line of development highlights how small propulsion innovations can stretch the capabilities of SSCs, allowing them to perform more complex tasks with greater reliability in challenging orbital environments. The project underscores a growing trend toward modular, scalable propulsion architectures that can be adapted as mission needs evolve and new materials or manufacturing techniques become accessible, with the overarching goal of expanding the practical utility of small spacecraft in both science and industry. This broader context reflects the potential impact of the work beyond a single university, resonating with international research communities dedicated to advancing space technologies in a responsible and sustainable manner. The research continues to attract attention as a promising avenue for future space exploration and commercial applications, illustrating how thoughtful engineering can unlock greater orbital control for small satellites. The narrative provided by OmSTU’s press service frames the project as a practical step toward safer, more flexible, and more capable micro propulsion solutions for a rapidly growing segment of space activity. It is a story of careful design, rigorous testing plans, and a strategic approach to developing propulsion options that align with contemporary goals in space science and industry. The dream is clear: better control of small satellites through lightweight, efficient, and safe propulsion that can be adapted to many mission profiles. The ongoing efforts reflect a serious commitment to turning this vision into a reliable, repeatable technology that supports the next generation of orbital operations. The work remains a testament to the value of collaboration between engineering disciplines, university research programs, and national initiatives that promote science, technology, and education. The emphasis on safety, environmental responsibility, and practical deployment marks a thoughtful path forward for small spacecraft propulsion research. The project continues to be followed with interest by researchers, industry partners, and policymakers who recognize the importance of advancing propulsion technologies that can increase the versatility and resilience of space systems. The latest developments, according to OmSTU, suggest a promising trajectory for this alcohol-water propulsion concept and its potential to reshape how small satellites maneuver in space. The researchers anticipate that their findings will contribute to a broader dialogue about safe, efficient, and scalable propulsion solutions for the next generation of autonomous space platforms. The progress achieved to date demonstrates how a well-conceived propulsion concept can advance the capabilities of small spacecraft while maintaining a strong focus on safety and adaptability, underscoring the potential impact across North American space programs. The project is developing at a pace that aligns with the ambitions of modern space infrastructure and the demand for more agile, cost-effective solutions for Earth observation, remote sensing, and monitoring in space. The story paints a picture of careful engineering, strategic funding, and collaborative effort aimed at expanding the toolkit available to future satellite operators. The emerging propulsion concept stands as a reminder that even compact devices can host sophisticated, adaptable technology when researchers focus on simplicity, safety, and smart design. The university and its partners will continue to refine the technology, test its performance in controlled environments, and assess scalability for broader mission sets, signaling a path toward practical adoption in upcoming space missions. This ongoing work illustrates the short and medium term prospects for enhancing the maneuvering capabilities of small spacecraft and building more resilient orbital architectures that can support a wide range of scientific, commercial, and societal applications. The program remains a focal point for discussions on how best to invest in space propulsion innovations that prioritize safety, efficiency, and accessibility for institutions across North America. The narrative from OmSTU paints a clear picture of a practical and forward-looking endeavor in small spacecraft propulsion, one that could inform future policies and collaboration opportunities in national science programs and industry partnerships. The project continues to evolve as it moves toward testing and validation in space-like conditions, with the anticipation that the results will inform both the design of new satellites and the operational strategies of existing fleets. This is a story of engineering promise, careful planning, and a pathway toward safer, more versatile propulsion solutions for small spacecraft, and it has drawn attention from scientists and space enthusiasts alike. In summary, the alcohol-water propulsion concept developed by the OmSTU team holds promise for safer, more flexible, and modular propulsion solutions that can adapt to various mission profiles, supporting the growing role of small satellites in space research and commercial endeavors. At the core, the project emphasizes practicality, safety, and potential for scalable adoption in the evolving landscape of small spacecraft propulsion. Source: OmSTU press service, Canada-US collaboration context noted for future work.
Formerly NASA published a photograph of a giant globular star cluster.