DIRECT THRUST MEASUREMENT OF THE ENPULSION NANO R3 PROPULSION SYSTEM ON FOTEC’S THRUST TEST STAND – 13 May 2022

Authors: Bernhard Seifert, Werner Engel, Joachim Gerger, Quirin Koch, Tony Schönherr, David Krejci

Published On: 9 – 13 May 2022

Event: 8th Space Propulsion Conference Estoril, Portugal

Abstract

In 2021 FOTEC performed a direct thrust measurement campaign of the ENPULSION NANO R3 micro-propulsion system. In recent years FOTEC has developed their thrust test stand suitable for measurements from the sub-μN up to 100 mN range without modification of the setup. The force actuators providing force-feedback and a test force were calibrated before the test campaign. The ENPULSION NANO R3 with integrated PPU was mounted on the thrust balance and supplied via liquid-metal based feedthroughs. After burn-in, different thrust points and profiles were applied by digitally commanding the propulsion system like in a spacecraft. The thruster parameters and the thrust balance telemetry were recorded, and the thrust values were compared to the mathematical model. To minimize any chamber-induced effects, FOTEC’s largest vacuum facility (ca. 14 m3) was used for this campaign. This paper shows the test setup and presents the results acquired within this campaign.

Thank you for your interest in ENPULSION’s products and services!

As a global market leader in electric propulsion for nano- and microsatellites, we offer you a broad range of fully integrated electric propulsion systems, as well as simulator and emulator products, and support and services to guide you from first conceptual steps to spacecraft design, integration, launch-preparation, as well as commissioning and operations, all the way to end-of life de-orbiting of your spacecraft – our expert teams are always at your side.

Exclusive ENPULSION data-room

If you are interested to gain access to the next layer of technical information and in-depth knowledge of our products and technology, please contact us. In the ENPULSION data-room you can find product-specific user manuals, in-depth technical guides and applicable documents, containing valuable information on handling and shipping requirements, as well as everything you need to know to get the best performance and utility out of your ENPULSION products.

    Thruster Framework Download

    Would you like to receive additional information? Then please fill in this form and we will get back to you with more details.