OVERVIEW
The AIS-VAT3 Vacuum Arc Thruster represents the next generation of larger class vacuum arc thrusters at AIS. The VAT3 scales up the original AIS-VAT1-PQ Micro Vacuum Arc Thruster design and brings the AIS-VAT Series into a whole new power class. The VAT3 is also essentially the same as the original VAT2 design, but incorporates twice the power supply capacity in a slightly larger form factor. At 40W power-class capacity, the VAT3 is sized for use with larger Cubesats, specifically allowing for integration up to 6U-class satellites.
UPDATE: As of 10/25/2022, the VAT3 development is officially ended and obsolete
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: High Power Vacuum Arc Thruster
- Power: 40W
- Thrust: 256uN (at 4Hz)
- Thrust (End of Life): 64uN (at 4Hz)
- Shot Lifetime: up to 300,000
- Total Impulse: 8Ns
- ISP: TBD
- Rep Rate: 1-4Hz
- Size: 92x92x75mm
- Mass: TBD
- Fuel: Bismuth
- Inputs: 5V, GND, x2 Logic Commands
- STATUS: OBSOLETE
GALLERY
AIS-VAT3 Vacuum Arc Thruster Gallery