Advanced Pulsed Plasma Thruster Demonstration On MightySat Flight II.1

This paper describes the progress associated with a joint effort to demonstrate an advanced pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) on MightySat Flight II.1 to be launched in January, 1999. The PPT currently being developed for this flight represents a significant leap in technology compared to previous flight models. Although the MightySat II.1 launch vehicle is yet to be determined, the Space Shuttle Hitchhiker Eject System is the primary option under consideration. With this launch option, the PPT will be used to extend MightySat 11.1 life from about 1-3 months to over one year by raising its operational orbit. The PPT is an ideal propulsion system for extending small satellite life because of its high specific impulse (> 1000 sec), low system wet mass < 5 kg), and inert nature when unpowered (thus minimizing Shuttle integration issues). In addition to the life enhancement mission, the on-orbit operations have been specifically designed to rigorously test the PPT and to demonstrate its compatibility with the MightySat II.1 spacecraft in order to validate it for future DoD, NASA, and commercial satellites.