Small and Microthruster Propulsion Research at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards AFB

Abstract

Clusters of satellites flying in cooperative formation require small and precise thruster operations to maintain formation integrity. Satellites in the 100-kg size class benefit from small thrusters for primary propulsion and micropropulsion for precision positioning and attitude control. A review of the research and development of small and micropropulsion thrusters at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards AFB is presented with an emphasis on the propulsion package in development for the Air Force Research Laboratory TechSat21 flight in 2003.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA407731

Entities

People

  • Frank Gulczinski
  • Greg Spanjers
  • Michael Dulligan

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Data Rights
  • Export Controls
  • Military Research
  • Precision
  • Sensitivity
  • Thrusters

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Proposed Air Force Base Actions.
  • Robotics and Automation.

Technology Areas

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