Low Bus Voltage Hydrazine Arcjet System for Geostationary Satellites
Abstract
The capabilities of arcjet propulsion systems were recently extended to accommodate operation on the NASDA Data Relay Test Satellite (DRTS) providing a power bus voltage between 31 and 51.5 VDC. This paper summarizes the newly attained qualification status of the MR 512 arcjet system demonstrating the flexibility of the current design. A redesign of the Power Processing Unit (PPU) became necessary as well as a delta-qualification of the thruster to validate spacecraft integration and to provide compliance with the DRTS satellite environmental requirements. Two types of thrusters with different thrust levels were made available to meet mission requirements. The delta-qualification included a pyro-shock test, vibration tests to a higher level than previously tested, and performance mapping beyond the original range. Included in the paper is an assessment of the PPU performance characteristics as well as the discussion of the system operation and system telemetry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA408186
Entities
People
- Dan Fye
- Dieter M. Zube