Session
Technical Session III: Advanced Technologies I
Abstract
In recent years, the capabilities (and as a result, the wider acceptance) of small satellites has increased tremendously. This has been primarily due to advances in payload technologies, which have allowed sensor components to better operate within the volume and power constraints imposed by smaller platforms. However, in order for small satellites to provide a truly viable alternative to a greater number of missions and customers, the platforms themselves must begin offering increased capabilities – more on par with those of larger satellites. An important area where the capability of small satellites has continued to lag significantly behind their larger cousins is propulsion. The reasons for this are many, including: platform mass and volume limitations, personnel safety concerns, hazard limitations of existing integration facilities, costs associated with propellant transportation and launch site processing, or “blanket restrictions” imposed on secondary/rideshare satellites (due to concerns regarding possible adverse impacts to the primary satellite). But regardless of the specific reasons applicable to any individual mission, the resulting capability limitation is the same: small satellites are usually “stuck” in the orbit they are initially injected into; which adversely affects their scientific utility and can make them a non-option for many customers. High Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP) provides a flight-proven solution to each of the many concerns which typically preclude the inclusion of a liquid propulsion system on small satellite missions. Additionally, the many benefits of HPGP provide a game-changing capability increase for small satellites; thus allowing them to further close the gap with larger platforms. This paper will: 1) provide a PRISMA mission overview and short “2 year update” of the on-orbit HPGP data, 2) delve into the details of each of the issues identified above, and 3) provide examples of the capability increases and cost savings able to be achieved through the implementation of various HPGP hardware solutions on small satellite platforms.
Presentation Slides
High Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP): A Flight-Proven Capability and Cost Game-Changer for Small and Secondary Satellites
In recent years, the capabilities (and as a result, the wider acceptance) of small satellites has increased tremendously. This has been primarily due to advances in payload technologies, which have allowed sensor components to better operate within the volume and power constraints imposed by smaller platforms. However, in order for small satellites to provide a truly viable alternative to a greater number of missions and customers, the platforms themselves must begin offering increased capabilities – more on par with those of larger satellites. An important area where the capability of small satellites has continued to lag significantly behind their larger cousins is propulsion. The reasons for this are many, including: platform mass and volume limitations, personnel safety concerns, hazard limitations of existing integration facilities, costs associated with propellant transportation and launch site processing, or “blanket restrictions” imposed on secondary/rideshare satellites (due to concerns regarding possible adverse impacts to the primary satellite). But regardless of the specific reasons applicable to any individual mission, the resulting capability limitation is the same: small satellites are usually “stuck” in the orbit they are initially injected into; which adversely affects their scientific utility and can make them a non-option for many customers. High Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP) provides a flight-proven solution to each of the many concerns which typically preclude the inclusion of a liquid propulsion system on small satellite missions. Additionally, the many benefits of HPGP provide a game-changing capability increase for small satellites; thus allowing them to further close the gap with larger platforms. This paper will: 1) provide a PRISMA mission overview and short “2 year update” of the on-orbit HPGP data, 2) delve into the details of each of the issues identified above, and 3) provide examples of the capability increases and cost savings able to be achieved through the implementation of various HPGP hardware solutions on small satellite platforms.
