Very promising high-power Electric Propulsion Systems are presently being developed, with a large number of possible on-orbit applications. These new EPS are imposing extreme requirements for their effective ground testing, which can only be met by very few space simulation facilities around the world. The paper presents the specific testing requirements for ground experiments, considering the case of a typical high power EPS, the SPT-200. Based on these requirements a new large facility layout is proposed, which is nominally capable of providing the very high performance required for effective high-power EPS, at a fraction of the cost of conventional vacuum systems. Engineering methods for sizing and analysis are presented, as well as full DSMC simulations demonstrating the proposed concept.
A Large Space Simulator for Electric Propulsion Testing: Design Requirements and Engineering Analysis
MARCUCCIO, SALVO;ANDRENUCCI, MARIANO
2000-01-01
Abstract
Very promising high-power Electric Propulsion Systems are presently being developed, with a large number of possible on-orbit applications. These new EPS are imposing extreme requirements for their effective ground testing, which can only be met by very few space simulation facilities around the world. The paper presents the specific testing requirements for ground experiments, considering the case of a typical high power EPS, the SPT-200. Based on these requirements a new large facility layout is proposed, which is nominally capable of providing the very high performance required for effective high-power EPS, at a fraction of the cost of conventional vacuum systems. Engineering methods for sizing and analysis are presented, as well as full DSMC simulations demonstrating the proposed concept.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
