Development of highly-functional nano/small satellites with pulsed plasma engines

Abstract

In the Project of Osaka Institute of Technology Electric-Rocket-Engine onboard Small Space Ship (PROITERES), a nano-satellite with electrothermal pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs) was launched on September 9th, 2012. The main mission is to achieve powered flight of nano-satellite by an electric thruster and to observe Kansai district in Japan with a high-resolution camera. We developed Bread Board Model (BBM) and Engineering Model (EM) of the satellite, including electrothermal PPT system, high-resolution camera system, onboard computer system, communication system and ground station, electric power system, attitude control system etc, in 2007–2009. Finally, the development of the satellite Flight-Model (FM) was completely finished in 2010. In this paper, we introduce the feature of the satellite FM including EP system. Furthermore, the research and development of the 2nd and 3rd PROITERES satellites with electric thrusters are also introduced.