Development of a Next Generation Low Power Small Satellite Thruster

Abstract

This report results from a contract tasking Surrey Satellite Technology, Ltd., as follows: The Grantee will investigate the performance trade-offs for micro-satellite propulsion between a next-generation resistojet using xenon propellant and carbon heaters, and other methods. These include existing resistojets and micro-pulsed plasma thrusters. Development and testing of carbon monolith heaters and a prototype thruster will be performed. Pressure and temperature of the gas in stagnation chamber will be measured. Specific impulse and thrust will be measured if the facility at ESTEC is available: otherwise it will be estimated based on mass flow.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 12, 2004
Accession Number
ADA432808

Entities

People

  • David M. Gibbon

Organizations

  • University of Surrey

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Energy
  • Flow
  • Heat Capacity
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Heat Transfer
  • High Temperature
  • Mass Flow
  • Materials
  • Microsatellites
  • Pulsed Plasma Thrusters
  • Small Satellites
  • Specific Heat
  • Specific Impulse
  • Test Equipment
  • Thrust
  • Thrusters

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

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