A micro pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) for the "Dawgstar" spacecraft

The AFOSR/DARPA University Nanosat program aims to produce a small fleet of nanosatellites. Among the most ambitious is the "Dawgstar" from the University of Washington. It proposes to use micro-PPTs to formation fly with two other student-built satellites in a constellation known as ION-F. Dawgstar, planned for launch in 2001, provides a useful technology testbed for future micro- and nano-sat efforts. PPTs were selected because they lend themselves well to very small satellites due to their solid-state nature. The PPT also offers a very high specific impulse compared to other candidate microthrusters. The fundamentals of the PPT propulsion system are described and a preliminary layout of the concept is explained. Preliminary tests results from scaled configurations are presented. A key area for miniaturization is the onboard electronics. The paper describes work underway to miniaturize the PPT electronics to a size consistent with the nanosatellite goals, including design analyses and preliminary testing of electronics breadboards.