Initial development of a Gas-Fed Pulsed Plasma Thruster for Nano and Pico Satellites

The application of electric propulsion systems in CubeSats can increase lifetime and diversity of possible missions, with improved capabilities in orbital maneuvers. In this work, a control and power electronics circuit for a gas-fed pulsed plasma thruster (GFPPT) was developed, constructed and test...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Júnior, Helbert de Oliveira Coelho, Moreira, João David, Bitencourt, João Victor R., Batistuta, Marcus Vinicius, Miranda, Rodrigo A., Gessini, Paolo, Almeida, Júlio César de Melo, Ferreira, José Leonardo
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UFSC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.ufsc.br:123456789/270041
Acceso en línea:https://repositorio.ufsc.br/handle/123456789/270041
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Electric Propulsion
Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT)
Gas-Fed Pulsed Plasma Thruster (GFPPT)
CubeSat
Descripción
Sumario:The application of electric propulsion systems in CubeSats can increase lifetime and diversity of possible missions, with improved capabilities in orbital maneuvers. In this work, a control and power electronics circuit for a gas-fed pulsed plasma thruster (GFPPT) was developed, constructed and tested, considering restrictions in size, weight, and power availability of a CubeSat. This proof of concept made use of 3D printing technology for rapid prototyping, and its initial testing was done in an atmospheric environment.