The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed a 1,000-hour life test of its 300 Milli Newton (mN) Stationary Plasma Thruster, marking a significant advancement in India's space propulsion technology. This achievement paves the way for more efficient and long-duration satellite missions using electric propulsion systems.
Breakthrough in Electric Propulsion
The Stationary Plasma Thruster (SPT) is a key component in electric propulsion technology, which enables satellites to operate with enhanced fuel efficiency and longer operational lifetimes. Unlike conventional chemical propulsion systems, plasma thrusters use ionized gas (plasma) to generate thrust, consuming significantly less fuel while providing precise control over a satellite’s movement in space.
Details of the 1,000-Hour Test
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The test was conducted at ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) under simulated space conditions.
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The thruster was operated at full power of 5.4 kilowatts, undergoing rigorous monitoring to assess performance, durability, and electrode erosion over an extended period.
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The successful completion of this test validates the thruster’s capability for long-duration space operations, ensuring reliability for future ISRO missions.
Potential Applications
ISRO plans to integrate this plasma thruster into its upcoming Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-1), which will serve as a test platform for orbit-raising and station-keeping maneuvers. If successful, this technology could be widely used in future communication satellites and deep-space missions, significantly reducing launch costs and increasing mission lifespans.
A Step Towards Next-Gen Spacecraft
With this achievement, ISRO joins an elite group of space agencies developing advanced electric propulsion systems. The adoption of plasma thrusters aligns with ISRO's vision of cost-effective, long-duration, and fuel-efficient space missions, reinforcing India's growing expertise in space exploration.