Applying contamination modeling to spacecraft propulsion system designs and operations

Abstract

Molecular and particulate contaminants generated from the operations of a propulsion system may impinge on spacecraft critical surfaces. Plume depositions or clouds may hinder the spacecraft and instruments from performing normal operations. Firing thrusters will generate both molecular and particulate contaminants. How to minimize the contamination impact from the plume becomes very critical for a successful mission. The resulting effect from either molecular or particulate contamination of the thruster firing is very distinct. This paper will discuss the interconnection between the functions of spacecraft contamination modeling and propulsion system implementation. The paper will address an innovative contamination engineering approach implemented from the spacecraft concept design man~acturing, integration and test (I&T), launch, to onorbit operations. This paper will also summariz e the implementation on several successful missions. Despite other contamination sources, only molecular contamination will be considered here.