Date of Award
3-11-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
First Advisor
Richard E. Huffman, PhD.
Abstract
Micro-Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (µPPT) are becoming increasingly attractive for their low power consumption and moderately high specific impulse in the range of 800-1200s. The Gatling Gun micro-Pulsed Plasma Thruster (GG-µPPT) is a new device offering reduced mass and higher thrust than single µPPTs and solid application in precise pointing and orbit maintenance applications. The performance of µPPTs depends on frequency and applied voltage/power levels. Variation of these input parameters and effects on operation and performance of this thruster system were the focus of this research. Contamination aspects were also considered and discussed, since the buildup of carbon results in decreased life for these thrusters.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-GAE-ENY-11-M32
DTIC Accession Number
ADA540037
Recommended Citation
Watson, Lee I., "Using a Gatling-Gun Configured Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster as a Means to Control Micro Satellites with Extreme Precision" (2011). Theses and Dissertations. 1363.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/1363