Cristina Ruiz Fernández

Bio:

Cristina (Cris) is a visiting master’s student in the Space Propulsion Lab, where she is finishing her master’s, conducting her thesis under the supervision of Prof. Paulo Lozano.

Originally from Paiporta (Valencia), Spain, Cristina received her B.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, graduating with honors. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology, specializing in space propulsion, supported by the prestigious La Caixa Foundation Fellowship and the Justus & Louise van Effen Research Grant.

With a strong background in chemical propulsion, her professional (and personal) goal is to develop innovative propulsion technologies that pave the way for more sustainable and versatile space missions.

Research Summary:

Cristina’s current research at SPL focuses on the development and testing of a bubble-based electrospray thruster demonstrator. Her thesis involves the design, manufacturing, and performance evaluation of a next-generation electrospray thruster using ionic liquids and gas forming bubbles, as part of an effort to advance miniaturized propulsion systems for small spacecraft. This technology will use coaxial electrospraying.
The objective is to significantly increase the efficiency of electrospray thrusters, and obtain higher thrust-to-power ratios, as bubbles will allow lower operating voltages to achieve high specific impulses.

Before her work at SPL, Cristina contributed to the development of innovative green-propellant engines and liquid propulsion systems, including cryogenic and storable bipropellants at Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with NASA.