| The DAUNTLESS bus propulsion system, using carbon dioxide as the propellant, provides the capability to deorbit a satellite at the end of its mission. Large satellites often contain propulsion systems but the size, mass, and power limitations of small satellites makes commercial propulsion units generally inaccessible, not to mention very expensive relative to microspace budgets. Using off-the-shelf components a complete propulsion system was designed and successfully integrated onto a Space Flight Laboratory satellite that will be launching in late 2017. The development and testing of an electrothermal thruster was performed laying the groundwork for the design of the propulsion system. To accommodate the requirements of the DAUNTLESS bus a feed system and fill module were designed and assembled to deliver propellant to the thruster. Thorough testing not only validated individual components but also the system as a whole, proving its suitability as an option for a small satellite deorbiting mechanism. |
