Session
Session 10: Year In Review
Abstract
In late 2012 Skybox Imaging selected HPGP technology for implementation on their second generation (propulsive) SkySat small Earth observation satellite platform. During 2013 ECAPS worked to design a complete, compact and ‘modular’ HPGP propulsion system; the first (protoflight) version of which was delivered in 2014. A total quantity of nineteen SkySat HPGP propulsion systems have been ordered thus far, and ‘assembly line’ manufacturing is ongoing at ECAPS – with multiple deliveries accomplished in 2015 & 2016, and continuing into 2017.
The first five SkySat satellites with HPGP propulsion systems were launched during 2016 and an additional six SkySat satellites with HPGP systems are scheduled for launch in 2017 from Vandenberg AFB on Orbital ATK’s Minotaur-C. SkySat-3 was launched in June 2016 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Antrix’s PSLV and SkySat-4 through SkySat-7 were launched in September 2016 from the Guiana Space Centre on Arianespace’s Vega. Each satellite’s HPGP system has been successfully commissioned and is now being operated in-orbit.
This paper will begin by providing a brief introduction to HPGP technology; with a more in-depth description of the SkySat HPGP propulsion system design. A summary of the PSLV and Vega launch campaign fueling operations will also be provided, followed by the process and results of the post-launch propulsion system commissioning activities, and a performance overview of nominal on-orbit maneuvers executed to-date.
Finally, a short update will be provided regarding the continued progress and improvement of HPGP technology, including maturation of the 5N & 22N HPGP thrusters to TRL-6 and the development of a new lower-cost ‘next generation’ 1N HPGP thruster.
Presentation
On-Orbit Commissioning of High Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP) in the SkySat Constellation
In late 2012 Skybox Imaging selected HPGP technology for implementation on their second generation (propulsive) SkySat small Earth observation satellite platform. During 2013 ECAPS worked to design a complete, compact and ‘modular’ HPGP propulsion system; the first (protoflight) version of which was delivered in 2014. A total quantity of nineteen SkySat HPGP propulsion systems have been ordered thus far, and ‘assembly line’ manufacturing is ongoing at ECAPS – with multiple deliveries accomplished in 2015 & 2016, and continuing into 2017.
The first five SkySat satellites with HPGP propulsion systems were launched during 2016 and an additional six SkySat satellites with HPGP systems are scheduled for launch in 2017 from Vandenberg AFB on Orbital ATK’s Minotaur-C. SkySat-3 was launched in June 2016 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Antrix’s PSLV and SkySat-4 through SkySat-7 were launched in September 2016 from the Guiana Space Centre on Arianespace’s Vega. Each satellite’s HPGP system has been successfully commissioned and is now being operated in-orbit.
This paper will begin by providing a brief introduction to HPGP technology; with a more in-depth description of the SkySat HPGP propulsion system design. A summary of the PSLV and Vega launch campaign fueling operations will also be provided, followed by the process and results of the post-launch propulsion system commissioning activities, and a performance overview of nominal on-orbit maneuvers executed to-date.
Finally, a short update will be provided regarding the continued progress and improvement of HPGP technology, including maturation of the 5N & 22N HPGP thrusters to TRL-6 and the development of a new lower-cost ‘next generation’ 1N HPGP thruster.
