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REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY)2 At typical Space Shuttle altitudes atmospheric drag is the dominant force limiting satellite on-orbit life (typically < 100 days). The pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) is ideally suited to extend the life of small satellites deployed from the Shuffle due to its low system mass and volume, high specific impulse, and inert solid propellant (Teflon). The objective of this study was to identify and analyze life extension strategies for Space Shuttle-deployed small satellites using the pulsed plasma thruster. A generalized analysis is presented which is applicable to a broad range of satellite, PPT performance and life characteristics. Many PPT thrusting strategies were identified, enough to fit most spacecraft operational scenarios, for significantly extending small satellite on-orbit life. Within the limits of typical small satellite power to mass ratios, the most capable of these strategies, designated Lift & Coast, requires the least amount of propellant and is capable of extending life to 1-2 years with state-of-the-art PPT technology. In addition, within the context of PPT operation, preferential launch windows and strategies for reducing satellite drag were also discussed.
I. IntroductionThe Phillip's Laboratory's MightySat Program has identified the Space Shuttle as a possible launcher for its Life extension strategies for Space Shuttle-deployed small satellites [8]. Recently, elements of this analysis were small satellites using a pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) are used to investigate the extension of MightySat Flight 1I.1 to presented and analyzed. At typical Space Shuttle altitudes greater than one year using a PPT. In addition, a joint (140-240 nm) atmospheric drag is the dominant force Phillips Laboratory/NASA LeRC/Olin Aerospace limiting satellite on-orbit life. Depending on solar activity, Company/Jet Propulsion Laboratory program has been typical orbital lifetimes are less than 100 days, which is too established to demonstrate PPT life-extension capability on short to be useful for many missions. A detailed analysis of the MightySat Il. flight. A second motivation for this the life extension capabilities is required s...
