Investigating the commercial development process of resistojet propulsion systems with evaluating from the perspective of low cost design and reliability

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 assistant professor ،Iranian space research center,,Tabriz, Iran

2 Master's degree, ،Iranian space research center,,Tabriz, Iran

3 PhD student, Space Propulsion Research Institute, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Resistojet thrusters are a crucial category of electric thrusters in the space industry. They are known for their unique characteristics, such as thrust-to-power ratio, reliability, and relatively high output propellant speed. These thrusters generate thrust by heating the propellant as it passes around an electric heater, increasing its temperature, and then accelerating it through a converging-diverging nozzle. This paper analyzes operational satellites equipped with resistojet propulsion systems, examining their objectives, applications, peak altitude, mass, and platform. The results are compared to identify trends and performance characteristics. The paper evaluates these propulsion systems based on three key parameters: reliability, required manufacturing technology, and material identification and selection. Among the 14 studied mechanisms, 100-watt, high-temperature, milli-pound, vaporizer-based, first and second-SSTL company designs, extension heaters, and the Mark 3 satellite thrusters are classified as conventional technologies with reasonable accessibility. However, the second SSTL design and the extension heater thruster are excluded due to material supply challenges. The remaining five mechanisms demonstrate high reliability, each with a maximum of 10 components and no need for pressure regulation equipment. Notably, the first SSTL design, with only five elements in the thruster head, offers the most favorable conditions for operational deployment.
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Keywords

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References

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Fluid Mechanics & Aerodynamics
Volume 13, Issue 2 - Serial Number 33
Autumn and winter 2024
November 2024
Pages 81-98

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 07 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 05 November 2024
  • Publish Date: 01 December 2024

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