Työntömoottorit

Työntömoottorit, also known as thrusters, are small rocket engines used for attitude control and minor trajectory adjustments in spacecraft. Unlike main engines that provide significant thrust for orbital maneuvers or launches, thrusters are designed for precision and low-force applications. They are essential for maintaining a spacecraft's orientation in space, whether it's pointing a telescope, aligning solar panels, or docking with another vehicle.

These devices typically use a variety of propellants, ranging from cold gases like nitrogen to hypergolic fuels that ignite on contact. The choice of propellant and engine design depends on the specific mission requirements, such as the need for quick response times or the desired level of thrust. Thrusters are often arranged in clusters or arrays across the spacecraft's body to provide control in multiple axes.

The operation of a thruster involves expelling a small amount of propellant at high velocity through a nozzle. This expulsion generates a reactive force, according to Newton's third law, which causes the spacecraft to move or rotate in the opposite direction. The control system of the spacecraft activates specific thrusters for precise durations to achieve the desired maneuvers. Their reliability and fine control capabilities make them indispensable components for the successful operation of nearly all spacecraft, from satellites to interplanetary probes.