Abstract
CNES’ scientific Microscope satellite needs a cold gas propulsion system (CGPS) in order to nullify the atmospherical drag and solar pressure radiation and guarantee an almost perfect free fall movement of the spacecraft. This free fall movement is mandatory w.r.t. the experiment which aims at detecting a possible violation of Einstein’s theory of relativity equivalence principle. The development plan of the CGPS includes early performance tests in order to check critical equipment’s behavior, a dedicated qualification model and two flight models all submitted to environmental tests. The propulsion system has to face several unusual requirements due to the very sensitive accelerometers instruments, in particular for what concerns micro-perturbations. Potential sources of perturbations are the thrusters, the pressure regulator and the tanks. In order to answer micro-perturbation specification, dedicated tests and analyses have been included in the development and verification plan which results are overall satisfactory.
Published Version
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