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Choice of an ion engine for the Communications Technology Satellite.The purpose of the spacecraft is to space qualify a number of components for the next generation of communications satellites. The state of development of ion thrusters has reached a point where at least three types of engine may be considered for integration on spacecraft. The proposed methods of stationkeeping require that the thruster operate with a duty cycle of somewhat less than 12 hours in a 24 hour period. Several possible mounting positions for the thrusters were considered during the conceptual design phase. It is concluded that an experimental ion thruster subsystem may be incorporated in the communication satellite and used to demonstrate, at a minimum, north-south stationkeeping of the spacecraft in synchronous orbit.
Document ID
19720042550
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Payne, W. F.
(Department of Communications, Communications Research Centre Ottawa, Canada)
Bens, A. R.
Bassett, D. A.
(Saskatchewan, University Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada)
Lovell, R. R.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1972
Subject Category
Propulsion Systems
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 72-491
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electric Propulsion Conference
Location: Bethesda, MD
Start Date: April 17, 1972
End Date: April 19, 1972
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
72A26216
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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