We describe the development of the diagnostics systems for the first flight of the Electric Propulsion Orbital Platform (EPOP), which will center around the in-flight characterization of a 1.8 kW hydrogen arcjet system. In particular, we discuss a spacecraft communications experiment involving ground-to-spacecraft communications of the EPOP carrier; electrical probe measurements in the arcjet plume; and spectrally resolved plume imaging measurements of the same plume. The communications experiment is designed to measure small noise on the communications link which results from arcjet operation. The other two measurements primarily serve the purpose of characterization of the plume plasma. These measurements will be compared to similar measurements performed in a ground chamber to establish whether systematic differences exist between ground-based and in-flight performance of the arcjet system.
Diagnostics Development for the Electric Propulsion Orbital Platform
1993
11 pages
Report
No indication
English
Space Technology , Arc jet engines , Communication networks , Computer systems design , Diagnosis , Earth orbits , Electric propulsion , In-flight monitoring , Noise measurement , Propulsion system configurations , Space platforms , Spaceborne experiments , Spacecraft communication , Artificial satellites , Data links , Electrical measurement , Flight tests , Hydrogen , Imaging techniques , Propulsion system performance , Rocket exhaust
Electric Propulsion Orbital Platform
NTIS | 1993
Electric Propulsion Orbital Platform
NTRS | 1993
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