Electrically-Actuated On/Off Valve and Regulator for Electrospray Thrusters

Electrical propulsion systems and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, an electrical propulsion system may include an electrically-actuated valve to selectively permit flow of propellant from a reservoir tank to a thruster. The valve may physically isolate the propellant from the thruster when inactivated, exhibiting a non-wetting surface which may inhibit propellant from passing through the valve towards the thrusters. In some embodiments, a valve may be activated through application of a voltage potential to the valve relative to the propellant, which may change the wettability of the valve, permitting propellant to wet and subsequently pass through the valve. The voltage potential may be adjusted to vary the wettability of the valve, resulting in the valve effectively regulating propellant flow rate. The valve may include a conductive layer, a dielectric or insulating layer, and a non-wetting layer to enhance the non-wetting behavior of the valve.