# A Solid-State Oxygen Thruster for Spacecraft Propulsion

> A compact space thruster that generates thrust by electrically pulling oxygen ions out of a solid material using memristor-like switching behavior.

- **Patent:** US 10800552
- **Original title:** Propulsion apparatus for space vehicles and corresponding method
- **Owner:** Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- **Granted:** 2020
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 0
- **Field:** aerospace, semiconductors, mechanical

## What it does

This patent describes a tiny thruster for spacecraft that replaces traditional liquid or gas propellants with a solid-state oxygen source. It uses a stack of materials, including an 'active layer' made of an oxide that exhibits impedance hysteresis—essentially acting like a memristor. By applying electrical pulses, the system switches the active layer between a low-resistance state (where it allows oxygen ions to pass through and be expelled into a vacuum) and a high-resistance state (where it blocks them). This allows for precise, pulse-based control over the ion flow, which is then accelerated to create thrust.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover traditional chemical rocket engines using liquid or gaseous fuels.
- Does not cover ion thrusters that rely on noble gases like xenon or krypton.
- Does not cover propulsion systems that lack the specific memristive oxide active layer described.
- Does not cover non-solid-state oxygen storage methods.

## The clever bit

It repurposes memristor technology—usually used for memory storage—to act as a gate for ion flow, effectively turning a solid-state material into a controllable propellant valve.

## Real-world examples

1. Experimental micro-propulsion systems for CubeSats
2. Solid-state ion thrusters for small-scale orbital maneuvering

## Why it matters

Small satellites, such as CubeSats, struggle with propulsion because traditional fuel tanks are bulky and dangerous. This technology offers a way to integrate propulsion directly onto a chip-like structure, potentially enabling tiny satellites to perform complex maneuvers or de-orbit themselves without needing heavy, pressurized tanks.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does A Solid-State Oxygen Thruster for Spacecraft Propulsion cover?

A compact space thruster that generates thrust by electrically pulling oxygen ions out of a solid material using memristor-like switching behavior.

### Who owns patent US 10800552?

Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia owns this patent, granted in 2020.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on October 13, 2040, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What problem does this patent solve?

Small satellites, such as CubeSats, struggle with propulsion because traditional fuel tanks are bulky and dangerous. This technology offers a way to integrate propulsion directly onto a chip-like structure, potentially enabling tiny satellites to perform complex maneuvers or de-orbit themselves without needing heavy, pressurized tanks.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover traditional chemical rocket engines using liquid or gaseous fuels.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10800552/starlink-satellite-constellation

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10800552

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._