STSAT-3 Hall Thruster Propulsion System Development

Abstract

The STSAT-3 (science and technology satellite) is the first satellite whose entire structure was made of composite materials in Korea and it will be launched later in 2011. As like other small satellites, it is also equipped with several advanced instruments whose major objectives focused on the scientific tests in space. The HPS (hall thruster propulsion system) using xenon gas as a propellant has been developed and its overall ground tests were conducted. This research emphasizes on the technologies and procedure applied to the development of the entire HPS and its function and environment tests.