The MIT Lincoln Laboratory Pulsed Plasma Thruster

Abstract

This report discusses the development program for the LES-8/9 flight pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs); in particular: (1) the testing of PPT electronic components, (2) the changes made in the electronic circuitry as a consequence of thruster operation, (3) the testing of flight PPTs, and (4) the integration of PPTs to the LES-8/9 satellite. As a result of a series of problems in the PPT electronics the thrusters were eventually replaced on LES-8/ 9 by a cold ammonia gas system. Work continued, however, and ultimately the PPT system was proven flightworthy by successfully completing the thruster ground test program.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 14, 1976
Accession Number
ADA049013

Entities

People

  • Robert J. Vondra

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Electric Arcs
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electronic Components
  • Electronics
  • Energy Storage
  • Life Tests
  • Power Conditioning
  • Power Converters
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Pulsed Plasma Thrusters
  • Radiation
  • Silicon Controlled Rectifiers
  • Spacecraft
  • Spark Plugs
  • Thrusters

Readers

  • Facility/Structural Engineering.
  • Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) EDI Research and Innovation.
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Satellites