Hall Thruster System Qualification Provides Major Satellite Benefits
- Paper number
IAC-06-C4.4.09
- Author
Mr. Bill Smith, Aerojet, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Aerojet has recently completed qualification of the highest power hall plasma thruster available for satellite propulsion. The 4.5kW Hall Thruster Propulsion System (HTPS) is a significant step forward in on-orbit propulsion providing the advantages of very high specific impulse with thrust levels capable of orbit maneuvering, orbit transfer and repositioning. The qualified engine (model BPT-4000) can be operated in a low-thrust high specific impulse mode for stationkeeping and in a high-thrust moderate specific impulse mode for apogee circularization and other orbit maneuvers. The qualification of the system is the culmination of a program to develop and qualify the system for use on geosynchronous satellites. The system is slated for first flight in late 2008. During the successful qualification effort the thruster demonstrated 5600 hours of life accumulating more than 6000 power cycles. Significant additional life capability remains as indicated by telemetry and other diagnostics. Specific Impulse values and thrust levels were purposely varied in the test to simulate various propulsion functions and power level availability. A throttling range of more than 1.5:1 was demonstrated in power and thrust with specific impulse values ranging from 1830s to 2150s. The entire test was conducted with propulsion efficiencies approaching 60
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C4.4.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.