Joshua Model
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
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About
Dr. Joshua Model is a pioneering aerospace engineer whose work centers on electric propulsion systems, particularly the development of iodine-fueled ion thrusters for small satellites. His most significant contribution is the flight development of the BIT-3 RF ion propulsion system, which represents the world’s first iodine-fueled gridded ion thruster—a breakthrough that enables compact, high-efficiency propulsion for CubeSats and other small spacecraft. This 60W prototype thruster, designed for integration with NASA’s SLS EM-1 mission, demonstrated remarkable performance during a 500-hour endurance test on iodine, delivering 1.3 mN of thrust and a specific impulse of 3,200 seconds. Although his most-cited paper has accrued only 2 citations to date, the technical achievement itself is notable: iodine propellant offers a safer, denser alternative to xenon, making deep-space propulsion more accessible for small platforms. Dr. Model’s work bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and flight-ready hardware, positioning him as a key figure in the miniaturization of electric propulsion. His research continues to influence the design of low-power, high-efficiency thrusters for next-generation space missions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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