LONG-LIFE, SUB-KW HALL EFFECT THRUSTER FOR MICRO/SMALL SATELLITES IN GEO AND LEO - EXPRO+

Objective: To develop a sub-kW Hall Effect Thruster with total impulse capability in excess of 2MNs.Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) have become the leading choice for propulsion systems in GEO comsats and LEO constellations due to their high specific impulse (Isp),significant thrust-to-power ratio, and proven reliability. They are used for tasks like orbit insertion, changing or raising orbits, momentum unloading, station keeping, repositioning, collision avoidance, and deorbiting at the end of mission. Micro and small GEOcomsats and LEO constellations typically use sub-kW Hall Effect thrusters. European sub-kW Hall Effect thrusters that use Xenon arecurrently being qualified for a total impulse capability of 1 MNs. Future micro and small GEO comsats will require higher total impulse capabilities (more than 2MNs) for GTO-GEO orbit raising and 15 years of station keeping in GEO. Future LEO constellations may also need higher total impulse capabilities if the satellite's operational life will be extended to 7 or 9 years. Today there are noEuropean Hall Effect thrusters capable of such high total impulse capability. The objective of this activity is to develop and testa European sub-kW HET with a significantly increased total impulse capability compared to currently available HETs. The thruster shall operate over a power range of 500 to 1000 W, provide a total impulse of at least 2 MNs and use Xenon as propellant. The new thruster shall be cost competitive with a design for manufacture. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Requirements Specification definition - Preliminary design definition and justification - Manufacture of breadboard(s), performance characterisation and endurance testing (duration sufficient to demonstrate total impulse capability (possibly in combination with modelling) - Modelling of life-limiting factors to support demonstration of total impulse capability - Generate roadmap to complete qualification and achieve flight readiness status.