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 The UTIAS/SFL Electric Propulsion Program targets the development of
primary and secondary electric propulsion technologies suitable for
space missions in the 1 to 100 kilogram mass range. Electric propulsion
technologies are not easily miniaturized. The challenges include
optimizing power conversion efficiency, accommodating the wet to dry
mass "ceiling" of typical micro missions, and managing the contraints
imposed by propellant selection.
The goal of this program is the complete development of miniaturized
electric propulsion systems that are optimized for thrust and specific
impulse within predetermined power, volume, and mass budgets. While
maximizing performance, cost must be minimized to meet typical micro
mission cost constraints.
To meet program goals, the development and optimization effort exploits
new packaging techniques, the latest Commercial-Off-The-Shelf components
and advanced materials, as well as the experience from SFL's
microsatellite program.
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Electric Propulsion