Technology Extrapolation of Miniaturized and Distributed Propulsion for a Wearable Human-Flight Architecture

This conceptual research paper presents a technology-extrapolation hypothesis connecting emerging compact micro-propulsion with demonstrated human-scale jet propulsion. The hypothesis was developed by comparing the 100 mN-class microthruster work publicly reported by Brahmion SpaceTech with the five-engine JetRob human-flight demonstration associated with Zhejiang University. The study proposes that if future propulsion technology achieves substantially higher thrust-to-mass ratios at very small physical scales, while energy density, thermal management, structural materials, power electronics and flight-control technologies also advance, distributed propulsion could potentially become a pathway toward a wearable human-flight architecture. The paper explores a conceptual arrangement involving distributed propulsion around the palms and feet, optional auxiliary propulsion, intelligent thrust allocation, and a future hybrid architecture in which compact propulsion units could support larger primary propulsion. Superconducting and high-power-density electrical technologies are considered possible enabling technologies rather than direct sources of thrust. The 50 N-class compact propulsion example used in the study is explicitly hypothetical and is not presented as a capability of current microthrusters. The work is a conceptual feasibility hypothesis and has not been experimentally validated.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-09-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22946470
Primary Topic
Micro and Nano Robotics
Type
article
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Technology Extrapolation of Miniaturized and Distributed Propulsion for a Wearable Human-Flight Architecture

Maaz Ahmad Khan
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Micro and Nano Robotics
article

Technology Extrapolation of Miniaturized and Distributed Propulsion for a Wearable Human-Flight Architecture

Maaz Ahmad Khan
article en

Abstract

This conceptual research paper presents a technology-extrapolation hypothesis connecting emerging compact micro-propulsion with demonstrated human-scale jet propulsion. The hypothesis was developed by comparing the 100 mN-class microthruster work publicly reported by Brahmion SpaceTech with the five-engine JetRob human-flight demonstration associated with Zhejiang University. The study proposes that if future propulsion technology achieves substantially higher thrust-to-mass ratios at very small physical scales, while energy density, thermal management, structural materials, power electronics and flight-control technologies also advance, distributed propulsion could potentially become a pathway toward a wearable human-flight architecture. The paper explores a conceptual arrangement involving distributed propulsion around the palms and feet, optional auxiliary propulsion, intelligent thrust allocation, and a future hybrid architecture in which compact propulsion units could support larger primary propulsion. Superconducting and high-power-density electrical technologies are considered possible enabling technologies rather than direct sources of thrust. The 50 N-class compact propulsion example used in the study is explicitly hypothetical and is not presented as a capability of current microthrusters. The work is a conceptual feasibility hypothesis and has not been experimentally validated.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
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Micro and Nano Robotics
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Technology Extrapolation of Miniaturized and Distributed Propulsion for a Wearable Human-Flight Architecture — Maaz Ahmad Khan · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS