The AFOSR/DARPA University Nanosat program aims to produce a small fleet of nanosatellites. Among the most ambitious is the "Dawgstar" from the University of Washington. It proposes to use micro-PPTs to formation fly with two other student-built satellites in a constellation known as ION-F. Dawgstar, planned for launch in 2001, provides a useful technology testbed for future micro- and nano-sat efforts. PPTs were selected because they lend themselves well to very small satellites due to their solid-state nature. The PPT also offers a very high specific impulse compared to other candidate microthrusters. The fundamentals of the PPT propulsion system are described and a preliminary layout of the concept is explained. Preliminary tests results from scaled configurations are presented. A key area for miniaturization is the onboard electronics. The paper describes work underway to miniaturize the PPT electronics to a size consistent with the nanosatellite goals, including design analyses and preliminary testing of electronics breadboards.


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    Title :

    A micro pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) for the "Dawgstar" spacecraft


    Contributors:
    Cassady, R.J. (author) / Hoskins, W.A. (author) / Campbell, M. (author) / Rayburn, C. (author)


    Publication date :

    2000-01-01


    Size :

    910739 byte





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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