Status of propulsion technology development under the NASA In-Space Propulsion Technology program

Abstract

Since 2001, the In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) program has been developing and delivering in-space propulsion technologies for NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). These in-space propulsion technologies are applicable, and potentially enabling for future NASA Discovery, New Frontiers, Flagship and sample return missions currently under consideration. The ISPT program is currently developing technology in three areas that include Propulsion System Technologies, Entry Vehicle Technologies, and Systems/Mission Analysis. ISPT's propulsion technologies include: 1) the 0.6-7 kW NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) gridded ion propulsion system; 2) a 0.3-3.9kW Halleffect electric propulsion (HEP) system for low cost and sample return missions; 3) the Xenon Flow Control Module (XFCM); 4) ultra-lightweight propellant tank technologies (ULTT); and 5) propulsion technologies for a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). The NEXT Long Duration Test (LDT) recently exceeded 50,000 hours of operation and 900 kg throughput, corresponding to 34.8 MN-s of total impulse delivered. The HEP system is composed of the High Voltage Hall Accelerator (HIVHAC) thruster, a power processing unit (PPU), and the XFCM. NEXT and the HIVHAC are throttle-able electric propulsion systems for planetary science missions. The XFCM and ULTT are two component technologies which being developed with nearer-term flight infusion in mind. Several of the ISPT technologies are related to sample return missions needs: MAV propulsion and electric propulsion. And finally, one focus of the Systems/Mission Analysis area is developing tools that aid the application or operation of these technologies on wide variety of mission concepts. This paper provides a brief overview of the ISPT program, describing the development status and technology infusion readiness.

Performance of a High-Fidelity 4kW-Class Engineering Model PPU and Integration with HiVHAc System

“…[4][5] NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is leading technology development activities for the High Voltage Hall Accelerator (HiVHAc) propulsion system as a lower cost electric propulsion alternative for future cost constrained missions. [6][7] The HiVHAc propulsion system consist of the 4.0 kW Hall thruster currently under development at GRC, the power processing unit (PPU) being developed by Colorado Power Electronics, Inc., and the Xenon Flow Control Senior Electrical Engineer, Electric Propulsion Systems Branch, 21000 Brookpark Rd, Associate Fellow Senior Aerospace Engineer, Electric Propulsion Systems Branch, 21000 Brookpark Rd, Associate Fellow Principal System Design Engineer, 120 Commerce Way, Non-Member E HVB PPU Module (XFCM) which was developed by VACCO Industries. CPE developed the HiVHAc PPU under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program.…”