Abstract
An ammonia self-managed vaporization propulsion (ASVP) system for micro-nano satellites is presented. Compared with a normal cold gas or liquefied gas propulsion system, a multiplex parallel sieve type vaporizer and related vaporization control methods are put forward to achieve self-managed vaporization of liquefied propellant. The problems of high vaporization latent heat and incomplete vaporization of liquefied ammonia are solved, so that the ASVP system takes great advantage of high theoretical specific impulse and high propellant storage density. Furthermore, the ASVP operation procedure and its physical chemistry theories and mathematical models are thoroughly analyzed. An optimal strategy of thrust control is proposed with consideration of thrust performance and energy efficiency. The ground tests indicate that the ASVP system weighs 1.8 kg (with 0.34-kg liquefied ammonia propellant) and reaches a specific impulse of more than 100 s, while the power consumption is less than 10 W. The ASVP system meets multiple requirements including high specific impulse, low power consumption, easy fabrication, and uniform adjustable thrust output, and thus is suitable for micro-nano satellites.
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Shu-jian SUN, Tao MENG, and Zhong-he JIN declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 61503334) and the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (No. 61525403)
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Sun, Sj., Meng, T. & Jin, Zh. Design, development, and performance of an ammonia self-managed vaporization propulsion system for micro-nano satellites. Front Inform Technol Electron Eng 20, 1516–1529 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1631/FITEE.1800068
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/FITEE.1800068
Key words
- Self-managed vaporization
- Liquefied ammonia
- Milli-Newton level propulsion
- Micro-thrust
- High-precision orbital control
- Micro-nano satellite