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Multi-Axis Thrust Measurements of the EO-1 Pulsed Plasma ThrusterPulsed plasma thrusters are low thrust propulsive devices which have a high specific impulse at low power. A pulsed plasma thruster is currently scheduled to fly as an experiment on NASA's Earth Observing-1 satellite mission. The pulsed plasma thruster will be used to replace one of the reaction wheels. As part of the qualification testing of the thruster it is necessary to determine the nominal thrust as a function of charge energy. These data will be used to determine control algorithms. Testing was first completed on a breadboard pulsed plasma thruster to determine nominal or primary axis thrust and associated propellant mass consumption as a function of energy and then later to determine if any significant off-axis thrust component existed. On conclusion that there was a significant off-axis thrust component with the bread-board in the direction of the anode electrode, the test matrix was expanded on the flight hardware to include thrust measurements along all three orthogonal axes. Similar off-axis components were found with the flight unit.
Document ID
19990081114
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Arrington, Lynn A. (DYNACS Engineering Co., Inc. Brook Park, OH United States)
Haag, Thomas W. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1999
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.15:209396
E-11830
AIAA Paper 99-2290
NASA/TM-1999-209396
Meeting Information
Meeting: Joint Propulsion
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 20, 1999
End Date: June 24, 1999
Sponsors: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society for Electrical Engineers, American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 632-1B-1B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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