KEYNOTE: “Lab to Launch”

Paper number

IAC-19,C4,4,1,x55179

Author

Prof. Christine Charles, Australia, Australian National University (ANU)

Coauthor

Mr. Dimitrios Tsifakis, Australia, Australian National University (ANU)

Coauthor

Mr. Alex Bennet, Australia, Australian National University (ANU)

Coauthor

Prof. Rod Boswell, Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Weston Braun, United States, Stanford University

Coauthor

Prof. Juan Rivas-Davila, United States, Stanford University

Coauthor

Dr. Kazunori Takahashi, Japan, Tohoku University

Coauthor

Prof. Akira Ando, Japan, Tohoku University

Coauthor

Ms. Eszter Dudas, France, Institut de Physique de Rennes

Coauthor

Dr. Abdessamad Benidar, France, Université de Rennes

Coauthor

Prof. Robert Georges, France, Institut de Physique de Rennes

Coauthor

Mr. Scott Doyle, United Kingdom, York University

Coauthor

Dr. James Dedrick, United Kingdom, York University

Coauthor

Mr. Félicien Filleul, New Zealand, University of Auckland

Coauthor

Dr. John Cater, New Zealand, University of Auckland

Coauthor

Dr. Nicholas Rattenbury, New Zealand, University of Auckland

Year

2019

Abstract

Progress in satellite technologies is ongoing and eventually finds applications back on Earth. The global space industry is expecting significant growth based on cheaper launch capabilities and standardised satellite platforms. Thousands of small satellites (such as CubeSats) are expected to be launched over the next decade: a disruptive space revolution boosting Earth imaging, internet, global positioning and space weather forecast capabilities. Electric propulsion (EP) has been an innovative solution in a number of space missions but its scalability remains a challenge. Many mature or under development space propulsion systems could also benefit from more compact and efficient power supplies. There is strong interest in the development of inexpensive micro-thrusters which could be used on single spacecrafts or constellations. 
   Pocket Rocket is an Australian-born miniaturised electro-thermal radio frequency plasma thruster which uses environmentally friendly propellant such as argon. The Australian Space Agency recently launched: a complete end-to-end small satellite industry --- "Lab to Launch" --- is now available wholly within the Trans Australasian Pacific region, thanks to the recent demonstration of Rocket Lab's access to orbit and successful commercial launches with the Electron Rocket. 
Groups at the Australian National University, Stanford University and the University of Auckland have joined forces to pave a path to space heritage for Pocket Rocket via the CubeSat platform. Innovative miniaturized power supplies and gas handling systems totaling a few hundred grams in weight for a few Watts within a ½ U have been designed, tested and modelled to improve efficiency and ease of operation in space. Of importance is its pulsed operation and “instant on” capabilities which can also be applied to electron neutralisers used by mature EP technologies (e.g. ion gridded thrusters, Hall thrusters). These innovations will help the future development of nano-satellite orbit control, attitude control, formation flying and docking capabilities. We have recently demonstrated that EP can be used for space debris mitigation.

Abstract document

IAC-19,C4,4,1,x55179.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,C4,4,1,x55179.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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