Required Performance Parameters Research Articles

All-Electric Thruster Control of a Geostationary Communications Satellite

Investigation of an all-electric thruster combination for precise, long-life control of a nonspinning geostationary satellite without momentum exchange devices is presented. Electric thrusting devices offer certain unique advantages for this application and are assumed for both orbit and attitude control. Maneuvers associated with deployment, acquisition, and on-station operations are described in detail. A specific satellite configuration is assumed as a realistic model for use during the 1977-84 period, and thruster components and required performance parameters are selected based on estimated 1975 technology. Mercury electron bombardment engines were chosen for large-impulse maneuvers, and solid Teflon pulsed plasma thrusters were picked for small impulse-bit functions. Restrictions on thruster site selections resulted in a nonoptimum propulsion subsystem configuration. Nevertheless, adverse interaction with communications operations appear minimal, and full thruster redundancy is available. It is concluded that an all-electric thruster control system is feasible and can satisfy mission requirements for a large class of nonspinning satellites.