High Performance Micro PPT

The proposed phase I program will identify and initiate the development of advanced versions of the state-of-the-art microPPT. There currently exist applications for the micro PPT that could benefit from larger impulse bits and/or larger total impulse,i.e. primary propulsion and/or ACS for microsatellites. To facilitate the applicability of the micro PPT for these varying missions several advanced concepts will be investigated.The first application will be an advanced version capable of delivering higher impulse bit levels. This will be accomplished using a fixed discharge location to maximize performance. The use of applied magnetic fields to augment the Lorentz force willalso be investigated.The second application will be an extension of the total impulse of the system. Options that will be investigated include the use of multiple parallel propellant sticks in various geometries. The applicability of active shaping of the discharge currentwill be examined to achieve improved propellant utilization.To augment these investigations numerical modeling of the fundamental discharge physics will be undertaken. This will aid in the understanding of the operation of the micro PPT as well as provide a tool for tailoring the micro PPTs performance for aparticular market.The overall goal of this effort is a higher performance micro PPT and risk reduction for both the TechSat 21 and FalconSat 3 programs. The micro PPT has many potential applications in the small to nano-class of satellites. The micro PPTs low mass/volume,low average power consumption, and simple operation make them ideally suited for attitude control systems as well as primary propulsion on nanosats. The micro PPTs ability to provide impulse bits on the micro N-sec level allows for precision pointing ofscientific or military payloads. Coupled with next generation micromechanical attitude determination technologies the micro PPT can provide a complete ADCS package at a fraction of the mass and power of a traditional momentum wheel/magnetic torquersystem.Their greatest benefit of the micro PPT will be to micro and nanosats where propulsive ACS may not have been an option in the past due to mass or power constraints.