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Ion Thruster Produced Roll TorqueDisturbances to the ion engine’s thrust vector will cause a spacecraft to spin about its axis if left unmanaged. Spin about the yaw and pitch axis can be easily handled by a gimbal with enough authority. Spin about the roll axis however must be handled by additional thrusters or reaction wheels. In order to capitalize on the high efficiency of their thrusters, missions utilizing electric propulsion as primary propulsion generally include long periods of thrusting (several years). It is necessary to quantify and understand the ion thruster produced roll torque because it will define the amount of chemical propellant that must be carried or the lifetime and quantity of momentum wheels required for the mission. The roll torque produced by the NEXT ion thruster is analyzed through a combination of theoretical calculations and magnetic field simulations. Experimental techniques for measuring roll torque and past flight data are also discussed.
Document ID
20190029428
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Arthur, Neil A. (Vantage Partners, LLC Brook Park, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2019
Publication Date
August 19, 2019
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
GRC-E-DAA-TN70967
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2019 AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Country: United States
Start Date: August 19, 2019
End Date: September 22, 2019
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
Single Expert

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