MIT Orbital Transfer Vehicle (MOTV): CASTOR Satellite: Design Document

Abstract

This design document describes the current status of the Cathode/Anode Satellite Thruster for Orbital Repositioning (CASTOR), which is at the Critical Design Level. The mission of CASTOR is to validate the performance and application of Diverging Cusped Field Thruster (DCFT) technology. The mission will be achieved by taking on-orbit state data to compare the degradation experienced by the DCFT to that of similar technologies. Specifically, the mission objects, with corresponding minimum success criteria are shown below: *Operate the DCFT on orbit for 1500 hours, which is comparable to similar technologies *Minimum Success: Demonstrate that the DCFT will operate on-orbit *Measure the on-orbit performance, efficiency, and degradation of the DCFT during orbital maneuvers *Minimum Success: Use the DCFT to provide a measurable change in velocity

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 18, 2010
Accession Number
ADA565604

Entities

People

  • David W. Miller

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Communication Channels
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Control Systems
  • Data Transmission
  • Engineers
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Kalman Filters
  • Measurement
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Operating Systems
  • Organizational Structure
  • Software Testing
  • Solar Energy
  • Solar Panels
  • Spacecraft
  • Wiring Diagrams

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites