Simulated mission testing and flight performance of a 0.2 lbf Magellan monopropellant thruster

Results are presented of laboratory tests and actual flight performance of a 0.2 lbf Magellan monopropellant thruster subjected to temperatures ranging from 120 to 150 deg C. The results of tests demonstrated that the thruster operated satisfactorily at temperatures up to and including 140 C (thruster performance at 150 C was inconsistent). Flight conditions and thruster performance were monitored during Orbital Transfer Maneuver One and Cycle-2 flights. It was found that, for a given amount of momentum removed during a spacecraft reaction wheel (RW) desaturation, the number of thruster pulses required to remove that RW momentum was exceedingly consistent.