The direct-write laser machining technique has been used to process a lithium-alumosilicate glass (FoturanTM) for an application which requires 3D patterned microstructures. Using two UV laser wavelengths (248 nm and 355 nm), microcavities and microstructures have been fabricated for the development of microthrusters for attitude and orbit control of a 1 kg class (10 cm diameter) nanosatellite. In addition, experiments have been conducted to define the processing window for the laser patterning technique. The results include a measure of the change in Foturan strength after a required program bake cycle plus HF etching rates as a function of the laser repetition rate for the two UV wavelengths.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.