optimizing the quantity of propellant in nigcomsat-1 satellite using thermal knocking technique
- Paper number
IAC-08.C4.1.10
- Author
Mr. KIO MICHAEL, NATIONAL SPACE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, Nigeria
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The Unknown mass of fuel contained in Nigerian Communication Satellite NIGCOMSAT-1 is measured using the PVT method and book-keeping method, these methods are widely used today in other satellites but does not give the accurate amount of fuel in the propellant tank thereby encouraging new methods like thermal knocking to be applied to the first Sub-Sahara African owned Communication Satellite. The purpose of this paper is to use thermal Knocking method to extend the life span of NIGCOMSAT-1 satellite and invariably maximize the revenue profile of NIGCOMSAT-1 satellite. This method includes measuring the mass of the empty tank which is achieved by applying a measured amount of heater power to the tank and its contents whereby measuring the temperature response to determine the product of total mass multiplied by specific heat. A linear relationship is established between total mass times specific heat, the mass of the system multiplied by specific heat is determined from the temperature rise or rate of rise and is interpolated or extrapolated relative to the calibration to determine the mass of the propellant. The method is also optimized by applying simulation which determines precisely how much fuel is remaining in the tank at the end of life (EOL) of NIGCOMSAT-1 satellite. The result of this method was compared with the book-keeping and PVT methods and was concluded that the thermal heating method found more fuel remaining in the tank than the previous two methods thus optimizing the quantity of fuel and boosting the revenue profile of NIGCOMSAT-1 Satellite. I Kio Micheal certify that this paper has never been presented at a previous meetings of IAA or any Professional organization .- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.C4.1.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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