100 mN HPGP Thruster
Due to its compact size and non-toxic propellant, Bradford ECAPS's 100mN HPGP Thruster is especially suited to small satellites and CubeSats. Key features of this system include:
- Non-toxic propellant makes for easier and less costly integration on secondary or ‘piggy-back’ missions.
- Allows for more secondary or ‘piggy-back’ launch opportunities, especially missions where there is concern about the hazards of hydrazine and its risks to the primary payload.
- Allows for more capable missions than spacecraft without propulsion
- Allows for more agile mission profiles than electric propulsion. Spacecraft take significantly less time to execute maneuvers and orbit changes.
- Higher performance over hydrazine allows for more payload or longer mission duration.
- ‘Fuel at the factory’ – integrate in place
Integrated small satellite modules using the 100mN HPGP are also offered in conjunction with VACCO as part of their MiPS (Micro Propulsion System) within their CubeSat Propulsion line of products (www.cubesat-propulsion.com). The VACCO MiPS integrates arrays of 100mN HPGP and cold gas thrusters working in symphony to provide highly capable and highly modular microsatellite propulsion systems.
VACCO MiPS and Bradford ECAPS 100mN HPGP are slated to be aboard an upcoming mission, ArgoMoon ( www.cubesat-propulsion.com/argomoon-propulsion-system/) intended to be sent around the Moon to conduct scientific exploration.
Specifications Table
| Thruster Type | HPGP |
| Propellant | LMP-103S |
| Thrust Class | 100 mN |
| Primary Operational Mode | Δ ∨ |
| Inlet Pressure Range | 2.3 - 4.5 Bar |
| Thrust Range | 30 - 100 mN |
| Nozzle Expansion Ratio | 100:1 |
| Steady State ISP (vacuum) Typical | 192 - 2050 Ns/Kg (196 - 209 s) |
| Density Impulse (vacuum) | 2387 - 2542 Ns/L |
| Minimum Impulse Bit | ≤ 5 mNs |
| Overall Length | 55 mm ec. FCV |
| Mass | 0.040 kg ex. FCV |
| FCV Type | Solenoid |
| - No of Seats | Single Seat |
| - Pull-in Voltage | 10 ± 2.5 VDC |
| - Holding Voltage | 3.3 VDC |
| - Coil Resistance (each coil) | Ω 40 |
| Nominal Reactor Pre-heating Voltage | 9 VDC |
| Regulated Reactor Ore-heating Power | 6.3 - 8 W |
| Target Life - Qual. Level | |
| Pulses | 2,000 |
| Propellant Throughput | 1 kg |
| Longest Continues Firing | 18 minutes |
| Accumulated Firing Time | 5 hours |
| Firing Sequences | 150 |
| Demonstrated Life | |
| Pulses | 6,696 |
| Propellant Throughput | 0.4 kg |
| Longest Continues Firing Time | 30 minutes |
| Accumulated Firing Time | 2.3 hours |
| Firing Sequences | 128 |
| Maturation Level | TRL 5/6 |
| Current Status | |
| EQM in Qualification |
