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A Synopsis of Ion Propulsion Development Projects in the United States: SERT 1 to Deep Space IThe historical background and characteristics of the experimental flights of ion propulsion systems and the major ground-based technology demonstrations were reviewed. The results of the first successful ion engine flight in 1964, SERT I which demonstrated ion beam neutralization, are discussed along with the extended operation of SERT II starting in 1970. These results together with the technology employed on the early cesium engine flights. the Applications Technology Satellite (ATS) series, and the ground-test demonstrations, have provided the evolutionary path for the development of xenon ion thruster component technologies, control systems, and power circuit implementations. In the 1997-1999 period, the communication satellite flights using ion engine systems and the Deep Space I flight confirmed that these auxiliary and primary propulsion systems have advanced to a high-level of flight-readiness.
Document ID
19990116725
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Sovey, James S.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Rawlin, Vincent K.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Patterson, Michael J.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1999
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.15:209439
NASA/TM-1999-209439
AIAA Paper 99-2270
E-11916
Meeting Information
Meeting: Joint Propulsion
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 20, 1999
End Date: June 24, 1999
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Society for Electrical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 632-1B-1B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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