Using a Gatling-Gun Configured Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster as a Means to Control Micro Satellites with Extreme Precision

Micro-Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (PPT) are becoming increasingly attractive for their low power consumption and moderately high specific impulse from 800-1000s. The Gatling Gun micro-Pulsed Plasma Thruster (GG-PPT) is a new device offering reduced mass and higher thrust than single PPTs in precise pointing and orbit maintenance applications. The performance of PPTs depends on frequency and applied voltage/power levels. A variation of these input parameters and effects on operation and performance of this thruster system will be the focus of this research. Contamination aspects will also be considered, since the buildup of carbon results in decreased life for these thrusters. The goal is to match the frequency and power input to avoid this operating condition.