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Propulsion Systems
Abstract
Good progress is being made in fabricating and integrating the two
propulsion systems that will be used to move the Phase 3D spacecraft
from the low-inclination initial orbit to the 63 degree final orbit -
and keep it there. The primary system utilizes a 400 Newton (95 pound) bipropellant liquid rocket
motor with its associated tankage, plumbing and control circuitry. The
secondary is a much lower thrust Ammonia Arcjet
system developed at the University of Stuttgart in Germany.
In summary, good progress has been made in bringing the two Phase 3D
propulsion systems into being. Almost all major components are in
hand. The PFA is esentially complete. Propellant tanks have been
mounted in the spaceframe and interconnections between the PFA, tanks,
and the motors are also nearly complete. Pressurization tests and some
propellant flow tests are planned to be conducted at the time of
spacecraft environmental testing.
For further information, read these pages with information about the
different parts of the propulsion systems:
- The Liquid Ignition Unit (LIU)
- The Propellant Flow Assembly (PFA)
- The Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU)
- The 400N Propulsion System
- The Arcjet Thruster (ATOS)
Last updated: Jan 27, 1996
by Ralf Zimmermann, DL1FDT