The 0.44-N class of hydrazine catalytic thruster was evaluated at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to assess its capability for spacecraft limit-cycle attitude control with thruster pulse durations on the order of 10 msec. Dynamic-environment and limit-cycle simulation tests were performed on three commercially available thruster/valve assemblies, purchased from three different manufacturers. The results indicate that this class of thruster can sustain a launch environment and, when properly temperature-conditioned, can perform limit-cycle operations over the anticipated life span of a multi-year mission. The minimum operating temperature for very short pulse durations was determined for each thruster. Pulsing life tests were then conducted on each thruster under a thermally controlled condition which maintained the catalyst bed at both a nominal 93 C and 205 C. These were the temperatures believed to be slightly below and very near the minimum recommended operating temperature, respectively. (Author)
Performance Characterization Tests of Three 0.44-N (0.1-Lbf) Hydrazine Catalytic Thrusters
1973
68 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch