Form 9.B Project Summary
Chron:
971476
Proposal
Number:
08.02-1122
Project Title:
HIGH-EFFICIENCY, GAS-FUELED
PULSED PLASMA THRUSTER WITH
ALL-SOLID-STATE DRIVE
Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)
The objective of this effort is to develop a compact,
efficient, gas-fueled pulsed plasma thruster (PPT)
for space propulsion applications. Pulsed power to
drive the thruster will be delivered via a highly
reliable, all-solid-state nonlinear magnetic pulse
compressor to be optimized specifically for pulsed
plasma thruster applications. Initial
proof-of-concept demonstrations conducted at
Princeton University's Electric Propulsion and
Plasma Dynamics Laboratory (EPPDyL) have
demonstrated up to 50% electrical efficiency with
mass utilization efficiencies approaching 100%. The
thruster has also been designed so as to be
propellant insensitive, opening up the possibility of
utilizing propellants which might be mined at the
destination for the return trip.
Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)
Successful completion of this SBIR will result in a
new class of efficient, reliable, lightweight electric
thrusters for space-based propulsion. These
thrusters will be suitable for providing either
primary propulsion or stationkeeping requirements
to a vast array of commercial satellites.
Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,
Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
DANIEL BIRX
SCIENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY INC
15 WARD ST
SOMERVILLE , MA 02143
Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,
City/State/Zip)
JONAH JACOB
SCIENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY, INC.
15 WARD ST
SOMERVILLE , MA 02143