Title :
A proposed on-orbit demonstration of an advanced pulsed-plasma thruster for small satellite applications
Author :
Bromaghim, D.R. ; Spanjers, G.G. ; Spores, R.A. ; Burton, R.L. ; Carroll, D. ; Schilling, J.H.
Author_Institution :
USAF Res. Lab., Edwards AFB, CA, USA
Abstract :
The USAF AFRL Electric Propulsion Group is developing an advanced pulsed-plasma thruster (PPT) technology demonstration for small satellites. The initial flight opportunity was on MightySat II.2-a satellite bus specifically designed to advance AFRL-developed technologies and serve as a risk reduction mission for systems required for TechSat 21. This experiment will demonstrate a high performance PPT, making it a viable thruster for various applications such as orbit raising and initiating and maintaining clusters of small satellites. The experiment will also be the first flight of a new micro-propulsion thruster-a miniaturized version of the PPT, known as the micro-PPT (μ-PPT). The μ-PPT is ideal for very precise attitude control and pointing, formation flying, and for primary propulsion on micro-satellites. A novel on-board diagnostic package will be used to assess the contamination of optical and thermal control surfaces as a result of firing the PPTs. Ground-based observations will also be conducted to assess the on-orbit performance and possible communication impacts of the thruster firings
Keywords :
aerospace propulsion; attitude control; electric propulsion; plasma devices; pointing systems; TechSat 21; advanced pulsed-plasma thruster; contamination assessment; enabling technology; formation flying; ground-based observations; micropropulsion thruster; on-board diagnostic package; on-orbit demonstration; precise attitude control; precise pointing; primary propulsion; risk reduction mission; satellite; small satellite applications; Acceleration; Cathodes; Firing; Fungi; Laboratories; Optical control; Packaging; Propulsion; Risk management; Satellites;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference Proceedings, 2000 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Big Sky, MT
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-5846-5
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.2000.878368
