Implementation of direct battery driven discharge in triggerless operation of vacuum arc thrusters
Implementation of direct battery driven discharge in triggerless operation of vacuum arc thrusters
The increasing demand for CubeSat missions with limited budgets and constrained timelines necessitates the development of innovative propulsion systems. This paper focuses on vacuum arc thrusters (VATs) and investigates the implementation of battery-driven discharge for triggerless firing. VATs offer a promising alternative for Cube-Sat propulsion, generating thrust through the pulsed ejection of plasma in a cathod earc discharge. The study explores the feasibility of direct battery-driven discharge in VATs and demonstrates stable and variable-duration pulses. Experimental testing using high C-rating lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries showcase the advantages and operational benefits of this approach. The results highlight the potential for variable energy pulses, precise control of thrust impulse bit, and improved performance compared to capacitor-driven systems. Future research directions include optimising pulse duration for enhanced lifetime, plume analysis, and erosion rate investigations. The implementation of VATs with battery-driven discharge presents a promising solution to enhance the performance and reliability of CubeSat propulsion systems while ensuring compliance with space sustainability guidelines.
Saletes, James
3e69740c-2938-47e5-add4-14d5b31581e6
Saddul, Kash
81831a7e-b96b-43dd-b366-8b40ca9935f8
Wittig, Alexander
3a140128-b118-4b8c-9856-a0d4f390b201
Kim, Minkwan
18ed9a6f-484f-4a7c-bf24-b630938c1acc
15 January 2024
Saletes, James
3e69740c-2938-47e5-add4-14d5b31581e6
Saddul, Kash
81831a7e-b96b-43dd-b366-8b40ca9935f8
Wittig, Alexander
3a140128-b118-4b8c-9856-a0d4f390b201
Kim, Minkwan
18ed9a6f-484f-4a7c-bf24-b630938c1acc
Saletes, James, Saddul, Kash, Wittig, Alexander and Kim, Minkwan
(2024)
Implementation of direct battery driven discharge in triggerless operation of vacuum arc thrusters.
Journal of Electric Propulsion, 3, [4].
(doi:10.1007/s44205-023-00065-8).
Abstract
The increasing demand for CubeSat missions with limited budgets and constrained timelines necessitates the development of innovative propulsion systems. This paper focuses on vacuum arc thrusters (VATs) and investigates the implementation of battery-driven discharge for triggerless firing. VATs offer a promising alternative for Cube-Sat propulsion, generating thrust through the pulsed ejection of plasma in a cathod earc discharge. The study explores the feasibility of direct battery-driven discharge in VATs and demonstrates stable and variable-duration pulses. Experimental testing using high C-rating lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries showcase the advantages and operational benefits of this approach. The results highlight the potential for variable energy pulses, precise control of thrust impulse bit, and improved performance compared to capacitor-driven systems. Future research directions include optimising pulse duration for enhanced lifetime, plume analysis, and erosion rate investigations. The implementation of VATs with battery-driven discharge presents a promising solution to enhance the performance and reliability of CubeSat propulsion systems while ensuring compliance with space sustainability guidelines.
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Implementation of direct battery driven discharge in triggerless operation of vacuum arc thrusters
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Accepted/In Press date: 19 December 2023
e-pub ahead of print date: 15 January 2024
Published date: 15 January 2024
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Local EPrints ID: 486272
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/486272
ISSN: 2731-4596
PURE UUID: 304a4c4e-b023-451f-8008-d090cb3fa655
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Date deposited: 16 Jan 2024 17:40
Last modified: 25 Apr 2024 01:58
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Author:
James Saletes
Author:
Kash Saddul
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