Thruster Contamination Predictions for NATO III Satellite.

Abstract

Potential contamination of the NATO III Satellite surfaces by the efflux from its hydrazine thrusters has been studied. The CONTAM computer code, coupled with empirical data for estimation of mass flux in the plume backflow regions and for calculation of vaporization rates from the spacecraft surfaces, was used for the analysis. Two types of thruster operations, short pulse trains for attitude maneuvers and long pulse trains for altitude maneuvers, were considered. The results show that only small net deposits of water and hydrazine are to be expected on a small percentage of the total spacecraft solar panel area at temperatures of -72F. In addition, these deposits will have a very short residence time on these surfaces. Limitations in the analysis are presented and their impact on the conclusions are discussed.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA020587

Entities

People

  • I. Lee Witbracht
  • Larry P. Davis

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Backflow
  • Computers
  • Contamination
  • Hydrazines
  • Maneuvers
  • Solar Panels
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Components
  • Thrusters
  • Transition Temperature
  • Vaporization
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers