Mission Applications of the MRS-142 CubeSat High-Impulse Adaptable Monopropellant Propulsion System (CHAMPS)

Abstract

Cold gas propulsion systems offer today’s CubeSats a relatively simple, minimal V propulsion solution. CubeSat mission needs have been identified that would be enhanced or enabled if significant V were available in conjunction with preserving the control authority offered by cold gas propulsion systems. Examples include large scale orbit transfer for constellation deployment, proximity operations, formation-flying, de-orbit, orbit maintenance, attitude control, and momentum management. To meet these needs, Aerojet is offering the MRS-142, a 1U blow-down CubeSat High-impulse Adaptable Monopropellant Propulsion System (CHAMPS) that delivers a more than five-fold increase in total impulse compared to similarly-packaged cold gas systems. A four-thruster array, providing threeaxis attitude control as well as single-axis V, is integrated into a monolithic piston propellant tank doubling as the primary structure. To satisfy varied mission-specific propulsion system requirements, the CHAMPS design supports adjustment of the thrust level and minimum impulse via easily changeable fluid resistors and system operating pressure. Thrust vector orientation is tailored through simple modifications of the thruster nozzles. The final flight system is designed to be fully compliant with Air Force Space Command Manual 91-710.