In line with the growing trend of satellite miniaturization, Delft University of Technology has developed advanced micropropulsion systems such as micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) vaporizing liquid micro-resistojet (VLM) using water as propellant. These systems play a cruc
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In line with the growing trend of satellite miniaturization, Delft University of Technology has developed advanced micropropulsion systems such as micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) vaporizing liquid micro-resistojet (VLM) using water as propellant. These systems play a crucial role in enabling small satellites to achieve functions like maneuverability and attitude control. The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of next-generation MEMS VLM by creating a numerical simulation model for the VLM heater microchannel and micronozzle and validating the model using existing experimental data. To this end, numerical simulations were conducted for the VLM microchannel and micronozzle using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. The microchannel simulation captured flow boiling characteristics, including bubble nucleation, growth, and heat transfer. Micronozzle simulations validated against experimental data showed deviations of less than 10% in key metrics like thrust and specific impulse and confirms the enhanced performance of next-generation designs.