Abstract

This paper addresses the specific issues of the EPA-700 and its subsystem components The Miniature Sensor Technology on the MSTI platform. Current subsystem Integration (MSTI) program sponsored by testing and development status will be BMDO and executed by the Air Force Phillips presented, as well as solutions for the issues Laboratory at Edwards AFB, CA has encountered to date. demonstrated fast turnaround, low cost, and high quality development of small satellites. The primary goal of the program is to L Introduction demonstrate on orbit, BMDO developed advanced technology sensor devices. Other The benefits of electric propulsion additional demonstrations of advanced systems to DOD missions are manifold and well technology devices include propulsion, guidance known [1, 2]. High specific impulse thrusters and control, and spacecraft power processing substantially reduce propellant requirements for technology components. spacecraft missions enabling increases in on-The MSTI small satellite approach orbit lifetime, enhanced maneuvering, and allows system integration of advanced launch vehicle down sizing as well as other components in full and various qualification benefits. This paper reports on the progress of stages to be flown cheaply and with minimal the Electric Propulsion Operational integration times. Electric propulsion. Characterization Experiment (EPOCH)[3, 4]. technology can take advantage of such a small The objective of the EPOCH is the flight and simple space platform for characterization demonstration of an electric propulsion system of the system integration issues associated with on a small …

Date

September 23, 1993

Authors

DA Barnhart, JM McCombe, DL Tilley

Journal

International Electric Propulsion Conference, IEPC

Pages

93-011