Pulsed Plasma Thruster Piezo-Igniter for Small Satellite

The proposal addressed the development of a novel discharge initiation (DI) system for application in small satellites (<40kg). Phase I has successfully demonstrated the potential of the technology for reducing onboard propulsion system mass and volume compared to current DI systems. The design eliminates, for the first time, the conventional discharge capacitor and the magnetic-transformer (bulky and EMI noisy) with a compact and highly efficient technology based on Face piezoelectric transformers, Transoner?. The proposal has particular relevance for micro and nano-spacecraft because of their need for advanced propulsion technologies that emphasize system simplicity, integration, low power requirements and minimal mass. The novel system, IGNIT-SONERTM, uses a high frequency (~60kHz) multispark rather than a single DC-capacitive discharge to achieve ignition conditions. This allows optimization of power consumption as well as increasing the reliability of the system. Phase II will integrate and adapt the technology to the specifications of the current PPTs. The piezo-igniter will be directly integrated inside the spark plug housing thus reducing further the final system package size as well as eliminating the high-voltage wiring. The resulting package will be much less complex and less expensive. This package will be flight-qualified in Phase III.