The MIT Lincoln Laboratory Pulsed Plasma Thruster.

摘要

This report discusses the development program for the LES-8/9 flight pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs); in particular: (1) the testing of PPT electronic components, (2) the changes made in the electronic circuitry as a consequence of thruster operation, (3) the testing of flight PPTs, and (4) the integration of PPTs to the LES-8/9 satellites. As a result of a series of problems in the PPT electronics the thrusters were eventually replaced on LES-8/9 by a cold ammonia gas system. Work continued, however, and ultimately the PPT system was proven flightworthy by successfully completing the thruster ground test program.