Fuel Flexible Hall Thruster for Multi-Mode Propulsion Systems

ABSTRACT:Busek proposes to develop a Hall thruster operating on chemical propellant(s). This fuel flexible thruster would ultimately be paired with a chemical rocket to produce an efficient multi-mode propulsion (MMP) system. The ultimate goal is a single propellant shared by the Hall thruster and the high thrust chemical rocket. In Phase I, Busek will perform fundamental analysis, performance, plume testing and supporting system level studies. Proof-of-concept experiments that demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed concept will be performed using several propellant and oxidizer simulants of interest. Propellants candidates include; the monopropellant hydrazine (N2H4), nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) the oxidizer used in hydrazine and MMH bi-propellant thrusters and the green monopropellant AF-M315E. Busek will characterize prototype thruster concepts, designed to enhance propellant utilization and therefore thrust efficiency. In Phase II, Busek will measure performance and plume characteristics of improved hardware to demonstrate thruster capability. These results will be used to design, build, performance test an EDU thruster to raise the maturity level to TRL-5 at the end of the Phase II.BENEFIT:The proposed MMP system would be used for National Security space assets, hybrid GEO telecom satellites and NASA missions. The flexible fuel Hall thruster as part of an MMP system offers DoD and commercial users the option of a fast, impulsive burn to achieve operational status quickly or threat avoidance. The Hall thruster fueled by chemical propellant and operating at specific impulse greater than 2000s (already demonstrated on some chemical propellants) provides fuel efficiency for orbit topping, station keeping and other maneuvers that are not time critical. The DoD and NRO have recently begun an earnest effort to understand the potential of high-power EP for national assets such as AEHF, GPS, WGS, SBIRS, and reconnaissance satellites. Equipping such assets with EP would allow dual-manifest launches and LEO injections in the majority of cases, saving hundreds of millions of dollars across constellations.