PropSat [CoSGC]
The PropSat (Propulsion Satellite) 3U CubeSat is a mission to test a propulsion unit for the ALL-STAR bus.
The propulsion system, named PropSat, stores R-134a refrigerant in its liquid phase to maximize the amount of propellant on board. When thrusting is initiated, a valve is actuated allowing the refrigerant to vaporize into a heated expansion chamber, called the plenum. After additional heating to ensure all the liquid has vaporized, a second valve is actuated at a specified temperature and pressure allowing the vaporized propellant to be expelled out of the nozzle. Taking advantage of the relatively high vapor pressure of the R-134a refrigerant, and vaporizing completely to maximize specific impulse (an efficiency measure), the safe and simple PropSat will be capable of providing the 4 kg 3U CubeSat with a total ΔV (change in velocity) of approximately 15 m/s, with a maximum pulse ΔV of 0.25 m/s, while only occupying about 0.75U. It should be noted that the propulsion system is not capable of attitude adjustment and control, as there is only one centrally located nozzle.
Nation: | USA |
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Type / Application: | Technology |
Operator: | Colorado Space Grant Consortium (CoSGC), Lockheed Martin |
Contractors: | Colorado Space Grant Consortium (CoSGC), Lockheed Martin |
Equipment: | |
Configuration: | CubeSat (3U) / ALL-STAR |
Propulsion: | PropSat cold gas thruster |
Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | 4 kg |
Orbit: |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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PropSat | - | (via NASA ELaNa program) | with ? |