Electra - the implementation of all-electric propulsion on a geostationary satellite

Paper number

IAC-13,C1,7,4,x18665

Author

Mr. Peter Rathsman, OHB Sweden, Sweden

Coauthor

Mr. Alain Demairé, OHB Sweden AB, Sweden

Coauthor

Dr. Ekaterina Rezugina, OHB Sweden AB, Sweden

Coauthor

Dr. Hendrik Lübberstedt, OHB System AG, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Marco De Tata, OHB System AG, Germany

Year

2013

Abstract

In September 2003, ESA launched the lunar probe SMART-1. Using a single electric thruster providing only 70 mN of thrust, SMART-1 traversed the radiation belts under the worst solar storm conditions ever recorded to successfully reach the Moon in November 2004. 

Ten years later, the legacy of SMART-1 has been an important contributor to the implementation of the Electra programme, aimed at developing Europe’s first all-EP telecommunications satellite. Thanks to the significant propellant savings offered by electric propulsion, Electra will be able to host the same payload capability as traditional telecom satellites, whilst achieving a much lower launch mass. 

The paper will discuss the challenges associated with the implementation of all-electric propulsion on telecom satellites, and explain how the experiences of SMART-1 and other relevant missions have contributed to Electra. The first Electra  mission is planned to be launched in the 2017-2018 timeframe.

Abstract document

IAC-13,C1,7,4,x18665.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,C1,7,4,x18665.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.