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)


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Performance Characterization Tests of Three 0.44-N (0.1-Lbf) Hydrazine Catalytic Thrusters


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1973


    Size :

    68 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English