From Earth to Mercury: QinetiQ’s Electric Propulsion Technology
- Paper number
IAC-08.C4.4.1
- Author
Mr. Huw Simpson, Qinetiq, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Neil Wallace, Qinetiq, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Steven Doughty, Qinetiq, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Ismat Rudwan, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Michael Corbett, Qinetiq, United Kingdom
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Purpose: This paper will discuss the development of Electric Propulsion (EP) systems and provide examples of three recent developments in QinetiQ’s programme, demonstrating the versatility and capability of EP for a wide range of missions. Methodology: The paper will identify typical mission scenarios such as Earth Observation, Station Keeping and Science missions where EP technologies can offer advantages over traditional chemical systems. Demonstrating the requirements before launch poses many difficult challenges for the EP Engineer and for each of these missions a case study of a QinetiQ technology will be presented, supported by results from the associated test programme. The three case studies will be: • T5 for Drag Compensation. The Gravity and steady state Ocean Circulation Experiment (GOCE) is due for launch in mid-June 2008. QinetiQ’s T5 ion engine is required to provide near perfect atmospheric drag compensation and has an unprecedented throttling range of 1 – 20mN. Testing has demonstrated ultra-precise control to 20µN and a rapid thrust response rate that exceeds 2.5MNs-1. Pending a successful launch, the latest in-flight thruster performance data will also be presented and compared with ground testing. • T6 for Comsat and Interplanetary Missions. In early 2008 QinetiQ was selected, subject to negotiation, to supply the T6 engines for ESA’s BepiColombo programme. This followed extensive characterisation of the T6 gridded ion engine between 75 – 200mN and included twin-engine operation and elevated thermal tests. Life time requirements of the EP system also represent a formidable challenge. • Miniaturised Thruster for Formation Flying and Fine Attitude Missions. QinetiQ have developed a novel thruster that has the potential to offer micro Newton control. The thruster was successfully operated in QinetiQ’s test facilities in early 2008, and the first set of test results are now available for peer review. The paper will conclude with a discussion of how the T5, T6 and miniaturised thrusters can be readily adapted to a range of other applications, which tend to be characterised by demanding efficiency and reliability requirements. Originality: The presentation of GOCE flight data will be the first occasion T5 flight information will have been presented. The challenges facing the EP system engineer on BepiColombo have not previously been presented because of the recent ESA competition on gridded ion engines. Dual thruster operation has only been shown to operate at the beginning of 2008, hence this is new to peer review.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.C4.4.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.