Plasma Jet Pack

ended

This project proposes to develop a new electric propulsion module technology. This technology is based on the vacuum arc physic. This concept presents the advantage to store propellant into solid metal. This storage solution allows to largely reduce the complexity of propulsion module and operations (on-ground and in-orbit) constraints. The removal of in-orbit constraints (small impulse bit, no preheating, large total impulse) will pave the way to new propulsion module applications, in addition to the classical ones, and consequently to new satellite missions such as in-flight formation, electric propulsion pointing, continuous accurate altitude control. The consortium aims at achieving the validation of this propulsion module technology in 3 years (QR level). The team consists in experts from space propulsion, space hardware development and vacuum arc physics. During this project, it is planned to develop and validate building blocks for a family of 3 products which will have increasing performances in thrust, total impulse and specific impulse : • Plasma Jet Pack 0-30W • Plasma Jet Pack 0-80W • Plasma Jet Pack 0-150W After requirements and potential impact analysis, the first part of the project will be dedicated to building blocks development and qualification : Arc Discharge Chamber (ADC), Plasma Generator Unit (PGU), Power Propulsion Supply and Control Unit (PPSCU). A second part of the project will be focus on the PJP0-30 with a full development through an Electrical Model and a Qualification Model. This development will largely rely on technology building blocks. The qualification model will be tested in order to be ready to start the commercialisation phase at the beginning of 2023. Moreover a validation flight is planned during this project at the mid of 2021.