PPU MK3 For 5 KW Hall Effect Thrusters 11th European Space Power Conference

• Main Authors: Bourguignon, Eric, Fraselle, Stéphane
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anodes; Coupling; Electric propulsion; Electromagnetism; Flight; Hall effect; Satellites; Thermal vacuum tests; Thrusters; Vacuum; Vacuum tests
• ISSN: 2267-1242; 2555-0403; 2267-1242
• DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/20171615001

Thales Alenia Space Belgium (ETCA) has developed and qualified the PPU Mk3, dedicated to 5kW Hall Effect Thrusters, to reply to the market demand of full electric satellites performing the Orbit Raising with Electrical Propulsion. The PPU Mk3 is based on the PPU Mk2 heritage (itself derived from the PPU Mk1) but features additional optimizations to reduce cost and take advantage of the single cathode configuration and independent magnet of most 5 kW class thrusters. The PPU Mk3 anode supply was first consolidated by a successful coupling test of the 5kW Anode supply and Filter Unit breadboards in October 2014. Then, a Demonstration Model (DM) of the PPU Mk3, fully representative of the EQM, has been built and has been successfully validated by coupling test with the SPT140-D thruster from Fakel in May 2015, with the PPS-5000 thruster from Safran in October 2015 and with the XR-5 thruster from Aerojet in December 2015. The PPU Mk3 EQM has undergone its qualification tests which have included thermal vacuum tests, pressure increase test (corona) and a full EMC test campaign. After the Qualification Review successfully held in March 2016, the PPU Mk3 EQM has been already coupled with a SPT140-D thruster, in May 2016. Next coupling test is planned with the PPS-5000 thruster in October 2016. In August 2016, the three first PPU Mk3 flight models have been delivered from a total of fifteen PPU Mk3 flight models already ordered by two customers. After the presentation of TAS-B experience in Electric Propulsion, the PPU Mk3 product is described, with its development, coupling tests and qualification.