R&D, Launch and Initial Operation of the Osaka Institute of Technology 1st PROITERES Nano-Satellite with Electrothermal Pulsed Plasma Thrusters and Development of the 2nd and 3rd Satellites

Abstract

The Project of Osaka Institute of Technology Electric-Rocket-Engine onboard Small Space Ship (PROITERES) was started at Osaka Institute of Technology in 2007. In PROITERES, a nano satellite named the 1st PROITERES satellite with electrothermal pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs) was successfully launched by Indian PSLV C-21 rocket on September 9th, 2012. 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 R&D feature and final checking, launch process and initial operation of the satellite FM including EP system. Furthermore, the research and development of the 2nd and 3rd PROITERES satellites with high-power electric thrusters, i.e., high-power electrothermal PPT and cylindrical Hall thruster, respectively, are also introduced.