EXECUTION OF THE QUALIFICATION CAMPAIGN OF AN ELECTROSPRAY THRUSTER

In the context of the rapidly evolving SmallSat market, this research focuses on optimizing the qualification process of ION-X’s HALO-100X thruster under limited time and resource constraints. The primary objective was to generate valuable data for iterative design improvements through targeted testing, emphasizing proton radiation hardness, where the goal is to ensure the thruster’s resilience to Single Event Effects (SEE) when exposed to high-energy protons in low-Earth orbit; electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), focusing on the thruster’s performance in electromagnetic environments, ensuring it does not interfere with the launcher or satellite systems; and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, assessing the thruster’s ability to operate within the specified temperature range. Specific contributions include comprehensive test preparations, encompassing electronic component analysis, test bench design, and collaborative coordination for radiation testing and EMC assessments. For TVAC testing, the work centered on establishing a functional vacuum test bench capable of achieving and maintaining temperatures within the specified range, including a bakeout setup for future outgassing mitigation.