Session
Poster Session IV
Abstract
SITAEL HT-100 Hall Effect Thruster (mini-HET) is one of the smallest and lowest power HET ever developed in Europe, whose performance and characteristics represent the state-of-the-art of this technology (power range between 140 and 300W, covering thrust levels from 5 to 15 mN). For HT-100 IOV purpose, SITAEL proposes to embark it (with relevant propulsion S/S built around) on its micro-platform (namely S-50, already used in the frame of ESA ESEO Project), which is a low cost/rapid development/qualified platform, ideal for IOD/IOV missions. A specific in-orbit validation mini-HET operative profile has been identified and acts as a main driver for IOV mission requirements:
- Total firing time > 1000 hrs;
- Total number of firing > 1000;
- Minimum firing time for single ignition > 600 s.
The paper will describe the selected mission profile, in order to comply with mini-HET operative (firing) profile.
The mission will be accomplished within 2 years and will foresee at least two different segments: an orbit transfer one, from a typical SSO around 600 km to a lower orbit around 400 km (also repeated several times, by demonstrating both orbit raising and lowering capabilities), and then an orbit keeping segment around 350 km, with a firing profile of about 30 minutes each three orbits, preferably during eclipse phase (to maximize energy generation and storage during sunlight by keeping a sun-pointing attitude).
The paper presents also the slight S-50 platform re-design/sizing in order to embark the mini-HET system as the main P/L, which consistes mainly in the need of increased power availability: two deployable solar arrays (150W avg power gen.) and increased battery capacity (up to 680 Whr) to supply 140 W to mini-HET.
µHETsat satellite launch mass is expected to be less than 60 kg, with about 15 kg allocated to mini-HET P/L (including Power Processing Unit, fluidics, tank and xenon propellant).
Included in
IOV mission of a mini-Hall Effect Thruster (HET), on-board S-50 micro-satellite class platform
SITAEL HT-100 Hall Effect Thruster (mini-HET) is one of the smallest and lowest power HET ever developed in Europe, whose performance and characteristics represent the state-of-the-art of this technology (power range between 140 and 300W, covering thrust levels from 5 to 15 mN). For HT-100 IOV purpose, SITAEL proposes to embark it (with relevant propulsion S/S built around) on its micro-platform (namely S-50, already used in the frame of ESA ESEO Project), which is a low cost/rapid development/qualified platform, ideal for IOD/IOV missions. A specific in-orbit validation mini-HET operative profile has been identified and acts as a main driver for IOV mission requirements:
- Total firing time > 1000 hrs;
- Total number of firing > 1000;
- Minimum firing time for single ignition > 600 s.
The paper will describe the selected mission profile, in order to comply with mini-HET operative (firing) profile.
The mission will be accomplished within 2 years and will foresee at least two different segments: an orbit transfer one, from a typical SSO around 600 km to a lower orbit around 400 km (also repeated several times, by demonstrating both orbit raising and lowering capabilities), and then an orbit keeping segment around 350 km, with a firing profile of about 30 minutes each three orbits, preferably during eclipse phase (to maximize energy generation and storage during sunlight by keeping a sun-pointing attitude).
The paper presents also the slight S-50 platform re-design/sizing in order to embark the mini-HET system as the main P/L, which consistes mainly in the need of increased power availability: two deployable solar arrays (150W avg power gen.) and increased battery capacity (up to 680 Whr) to supply 140 W to mini-HET.
µHETsat satellite launch mass is expected to be less than 60 kg, with about 15 kg allocated to mini-HET P/L (including Power Processing Unit, fluidics, tank and xenon propellant).
