The possible demonstration flight of a UK-10 ion propulsion system on ESA's SAT-2 spacecraft, which is due to be launched in mid-1993 to demonstrate advanced communications technologies is discussed. This propulsion system, which provides an exhaust velocity, or specific impulse more than an order of magnitude higher than that attainable with chemical thrusters, can be used for north-south stationkeeping, thereby augmenting the capabilities of the conventional orbit control facilities of the satellite. For a total dry mass of less than 40 kg, the on-station lifetime of the spacecraft can be doubled to 10 years by this means.


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    Title :

    Proposed Demonstration of the UK-10 Ion Propulsion System on ESA's (European Space Agency's) SAT-2 Spacecraft


    Contributors:
    D. G. Fearn (author)

    Publication date :

    1988


    Size :

    10 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English