OVERVIEW
The AIS-gPPT3-1C Single-Channel Gridded Pulsed Plasma Thruster represents the latest iteration of sub-joule micro-PPTs at Applied Ion Systems. This thruster radically diverges from conventional and standard pulsed plasma thrusters, with a specific emphasis on accessibility and miniaturization, geared towards PocketQubes and Cubesats. The gPPT line thrusters from Applied Ion Systems features an unconventional flat stacked-plate geometry, aiming to significantly reduce the space required for a pulsed plasma thruster, and offers a new solution for a new class of ultra-low power, low-cost sub-Joule PPTs.
The simple construction and extremely low cost of the gPPT3 lends itself for prototyping, laboratory testing, academic learning, and orbital demonstrations, as well as the ability for easy modifications and geometry changes to test various configurations for fuel, electrode spacing, and output nozzles. The gPPT3 is available as a single stand-alone thruster head for user interfacing for their own PPT drivers, or can be used with the AIS-gPPT3-1C Integrated Propulsion Module.
UPDATE: 11/10/2021 – AS OF TODAY, THE AIS-GPPT3-1C HAS BOON OFFICIALLY RETIRED FOR THE NEW AIS-VAT SERIES
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Price: $500 (min quantity 2, quantity pricing available)
- Thruster Type: Sub-Joule Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster
- Fuel: Teflon
- Electrode Material: Oxygen-Free Copper
- Mass: 17 grams
- Size: 18x19x21 mm
- Primary Working Voltage: 2–3.5 kV
- Tested Ignition Voltage: –10 kV
- Operating Discharge Energy: 0.09-0.85J
- Impulse Bit: 0.65-2.3 uN-s
- Thrust: 0.22-9.20 uN (rep rate and discharge energy dependent)
- Max Tested Rep Rate: 4Hz
- Fuel Plate Lifetime: 3000 to >4000 shots (depends on discharge energy)
- Compatible Driver: AIS-gPPT3-1C Integrated Propulsion Module
- TRL: 6
- Status: RETIRED
DESIGN FILES
GALLERY
AIS-gPPT3-1C Single-Channel Gridded Pulsed Plasma Thruster Gallery
VACUUM TEST PLATFORM
Micro Propulsion Testing Chamber
UPDATE LOG
- 06/24/2019 – Official CAD concept model for the AIS-gPPT3-1C Single-Channel Gridded Pulsed Plasma Thruster revealed on social media.
- 06/25/2019 – Cross-sectional CAD view of thruster officially revealed on social media, showing improved geometry for lifetime as well as new permanent magnet based magnetic nozzle insert.
- 06/27/2019 – PEEK and Bismuth-Tin fuel variations of the thruster officially announced.
- 07/01/2019 – AIS-gPPT3-1C-P PEEK fueled thruster concept CAD model render officially revealed.
- 07/02/2019 – AIS-gPPT3-1C-BT Bismuth-Tin fueled thruster cross-sectional view officially released.
- 07/03/2019 – AIS-gPPT3-1C-BT Bismuth-Tin fueled thruster concept CAD model render officially released.
- 07/04/2019 – AIS-gPPT3-1C-U Ultem fueled thruster concept CAD model render officially released.
- 07/05/2019 – AIS-gPPT3-1C full thruster line side-by-side with Teflon, Ultem, PEEK, and Bismuth-Tin CAD model render revealed.
- 07/08/2019 – Manufacturing of the AIS-gPPT3-1C series thrusters officially started.
- 07/23/2019 – Teflon, Ultem, and PEEK plates completed.
- 08/27/2019 – Copper anode, igniter, and cathode plates completed.
- 08/28/2019 – Initial assembly of the AIS-gPPT3-1C-T Teflon fueled, AIS-gPPT3-1C-U Ultem fueled, and AIS-gPPT3-1C-P PEEK fueled thrusters.
- 09/06/2019 – AIS-gPPT3-1C-T passed first controlled ignition test at high vacuum, validating the current iteration design.
- 06/20/2020 – AIS-GPPT3-1C DESIGN FILES OFFICIALLY RELEASED UNDER CERN-OHL-S V2
- 03/07/2021 – UPDATED AIS-GPPT3-1C V2 DESIGN FILES OFFICIALLY RELEASED UNDER CERN-OHL-S V2
- 11/10/2021 – AS OF TODAY, THE AIS-GPPT3-1C HAS BOON OFFICIALLY RETIRED FOR THE NEW AIS-VAT SERIES