The Engineering Test Satellite VI (ETS-VI) is a 2 ton class geostationary satellite to be launched by the H-II launch vehicle in 1993. The Liquid Apogee Propulsion System (LAPS) which is being developed for the ETS-VI is a pressure-fed, full blowdown bipropellant propulsion system using hydrazine and nitrogentetroxide (NTO) as propellants.During the engineering models (EMs) tests and the apogee kick engine (AKE) firing tests, several problems were encountered but could be settled. Especially a thermal problem, which was encountered during the design verification test of the AKE was settled by adopting a unique method “the step-up blowdown scheme”.In the LAPS program, not only the AKE but also other major components of the LAPS such as propellant tanks, 50 N class thruster, flowmeter, filter, bipropellant valve, fill-and-drain valve and pyrotechnic valves etc. were developed.This paper presents the outline of the development of the LAPS and technical accomplishments.
Development of the Liquid Apogee Propulsion System for ETS-VI
Sae Technical Papers
International Pacific Air & Space Technolgy Conference ; 1991
1991-09-01
Conference paper
English
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