Tenders Are Invited For High-Power, High-Density Propellant Based Thruster (Artes At 4B.189) - Expro Plus in Germany

Work Detail

Tenders are invited for High-Power, High-Density Propellant Based Thruster (Artes at 4b.189) - Expro plus (Re-Issue) The objective of this activity is to develop, manufacture and tests a high power (>3kW) high density propellant-based thruster for GEO satcom applications.Targeted Improvements:- 3x improvement of storage density compared to Xenon and 5x compared to Krypton.-Overall more compact platform allowing multiple launches or increased payload volume.Activity Description: The structure of GEO platforms is today heavily influenced by the size of the required propellant tanks which reach volume of the order of 1000L for Xenon.A potential reduction in this tank size thanks to the use of High-Density Propellant (HDP) would result in more compact platforms saving dry mass or allowing more space to be dedicated to payload or simplifying the stack of multiple platforms on a single launch.The use of HDP, like iodine for example, can provide several benefits which are mainly higher storage density and more compact systems compared to Xe. However, its applicability to high power thrusters (>3kW) for GEO satcom propulsion is currently limited by thelack of cathodes compatible with these propellants and able to deliver the required current and lifetime. Additionally, the use of HDP will pose additional challenges on the mass flow controller suitable to be operated with high power thrusters, considering not only the propellant material compatibility but also that given the large mass of propellant present in the tank (>1000 kg), the tank temperature cannot be used to modulate the thruster mass flow rate in any way.This activity will conduct a literature review to define the selected HDP material properties and assess compatibility with materials commonly found on the design of high-power thruster,cathode and flow controllers will be performed. Then, the applicability of the HDP to high power (>3kW) thruster for GEO application will be evaluated. Starting from a set of typical requirements of a GEO mission (performance, lifetime, environment etc) and fromdata relative to the HDP material compatibility, the main technological barriers to the HDP implementation in the thruster systemcomposed by thruster, cathode, flow control unit and PU will be identified and quantified. Finally, a breadboard including the cathode, thruster and flow controller will be designed, manufactured and tested to verify the performances of the system (e.g. Thrust and Isp Thruster and cathode operating temperatures Plume divergence Thruster and cathode electrical characteristics and discharge stability). An endurance test to assess the performances and lifetime capability of the thruster assembly will be part of the test campaign.Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_ClausesRead more Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open

Contact Information