AFRL MicroPPT Development for Small Spacecraft Propulsion
Author | : |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 13 |
Release | : 2002 |
ISBN-10 | : OCLC:64438518 |
ISBN-13 | : |
Rating | : 4/5 (18 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: A class of miniaturized pulsed plasma thrusters (PPT), known as MicroPPTs, is currently in development at the Air Force Research Laboratory. The MicroPPTs use a surface discharge across solid Teflon(TM) propellant to provide precise impulse bits in the 10 microN-s range. In the near term, these thrusters can provide propulsive attitude control on 150-kg-class spacecraft using 1/5th the dry mass of conventional torque rods and reaction wheels. Eventually these thrusters are designed for primary and attitude control propulsion on future 25-kg class spacecraft envisioned for such missions as formation flying sparse aperture arrays for space-based surveillance, on-orbit satellite servicing, and space control. A synopsis of the status of the thruster is presented, discussing development, lifetime, performance, and environmental testing.