Review of the Electric Propulsion Space Experiment (ESEX) Program (Postprint)
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Electric Propulsion Space Experiment was launched and successfully operated on the Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite, demonstrating the compatibility and readiness of high-power electric propulsion. This flight was the culmination of an Air Force technology program to demonstrate the applicability of high-power electric propulsion for satellite applications. A brief history of the program is presented, followed by a description of the flight operations, which successfully demonstrated the critical system components, the arcjet, power processor, and propellant feed system, verifying the interoperability of high-power electric propulsion with satellite operations. The two anomalies experienced during on-orbit operations, and their proposed causes, are also described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA517682
Entities
People
- D. C. White
- D. R. Bromaghim
- G. G. Spanjers
- J. H. Schilling
- J. M. Fife
- J. R. Leduc
- L. K. Johnson
- M. J. Dulligan
- R. M. Salasovich
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory