Session
Technical Session XI: Advanced Subsystems and Components II
Abstract
This paper will examine the development and test philosophy of a new, miniature pulsed plasma thruster destined for flight on the UW Dawgstar nanosatellite, and the development and test philosophy of small hydroxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN) thrusters intended for satellite use. The key to cost effective development is to know when both a rigorous analysis and a full test program is needed, and when the use of heritage hardware in a similar application may permit more latitude. The discussion will include a review of system challenges and considerations. Techniques used to design, build, and test new propulsion systems will be compared with techniques used to adapt mature hydrazine technology to new applications. As a specific example, long-term, full temperature range, materials compatibility testing for “green” monopropellants such as HAN is critical to developing suitable tanks, lines and components. In contrast, system level thermal analysis (without testing) will usually be adequate because HAN propulsion systems will be designed to take advantage of heritage hydrazine systems “lessons".
Cost Effective Propulsion Systems for Small Satellites Corners to Cut, Corners to Honor
This paper will examine the development and test philosophy of a new, miniature pulsed plasma thruster destined for flight on the UW Dawgstar nanosatellite, and the development and test philosophy of small hydroxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN) thrusters intended for satellite use. The key to cost effective development is to know when both a rigorous analysis and a full test program is needed, and when the use of heritage hardware in a similar application may permit more latitude. The discussion will include a review of system challenges and considerations. Techniques used to design, build, and test new propulsion systems will be compared with techniques used to adapt mature hydrazine technology to new applications. As a specific example, long-term, full temperature range, materials compatibility testing for “green” monopropellants such as HAN is critical to developing suitable tanks, lines and components. In contrast, system level thermal analysis (without testing) will usually be adequate because HAN propulsion systems will be designed to take advantage of heritage hydrazine systems “lessons".
