Innovative Plume Signature Methodology for Low Thrust Propulsion Systems

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop validated plume codes for the hydrazine monopropellant thruster; the propulsion system that is being utilized for the Divert Attitude Control system in the kill-vehicles in several MDA sponsored defense systems. In Phase I, PSI demonstrated an approach to developing validated codes for the far-field plumes generated by the interaction of plume species with atmospheric O atoms at hyperthermal energies. For Phase II we plan to collaborate with Spectral Sciences Inc and Aerojet in experiments to obtain critical data necessary to validate plume signature models in both the near-field and the far-field. The model platform that will be validated is SOCRATES/P. PSI will utilize its unique Infra-red spectral imaging and other technologies to characterize the near-field plumes generated by Aerojet monopropellant hydrazine thrusters in a high altitude simulation facility. For the far-field plume, PSI will extend its Phase I work and will measure velocity dependent cross sections of hydrazine thruster plume species with atmospheric O/N2 at hyperthermal energies. The data will serve as input to SOCRATES/P. The result of the Phase II work will be an integrated and validated plume model for the monopropellant hydrazine thruster system.