Pulsed plasma thruster technology directions

Abstract

On-board propulsion systems continue to represent a major spacecraft mass driver across a wide range of missions. Recent trends toward the use of smaller launch vehicles and very ambitious missions increase the leverage of onboard propulsion with respect to overall mission performance. Based on known and anticipated propulsion system requirements, the NASA On-Board Propulsion Program (OBP) initiated an aggressive program to develop advanced pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) technology for a broad spectrum of near and far term missions. To accomplish this, several generations of systems are envisioned for functions ranging from small satellite insertions to precision positioning for high resolution imaging. At present, efforts are in progress to develop technologies for two nearterm flight demonstrations. First, a PPT system developed to provide propulsive attitude control will be tested on NASA's Earth Observer 1, the second technology demonstrator spacecraft scheduled to fly under the NASA New Millennium program (1999). Next, a PPT system will be used to raise the orbit of MightySat III, an Air Force spacecraft scheduled for launch in early 2000. The OBP is partnered closely with the Primex Aerospace Company and the spacecraft host organizations (Goddard Space Flight Center and the Air Force Phillips Laboratory for EO-1 and MightySat, respectively) to assure the development, demonstration, and delivery of PPT hardware that meets all mission requirements. In addition to the EO-1 and MightySat efforts, the OBP also sponsors reseach and technology efforts aimed at technology for precision positioning and formation flying of distributed spacecraft for applications such as high resolution imaging. The program is also actively exploring technology requirements for future system miniaturization for microspacecraft. In addition to industry, the program is also partnered with several academic institutions and is leveraging the fundamental research efforts on-going under Air Force sponsorship. This paper provides an overview of NASA's activities in the area of PPT system development with an emphasis on recent progress and program directions.