The main objective of the “Dual Mode and Electric Propulsion System Study” is to assess the impact of this propulsion system combination w.r.t. operational, system and programmatic aspects in the context of telecommunication satellites. In the study the OHB consortium has analysed and traded chemical Dual Mode system with classical bi-prop systems (UPS) in combination with different electric propulsion systems. This exercise followed a staggered approach:
- Market analyses
- Feasibility Study
- Identify potential propulsion system combinations
► Preliminary performance characterisation of different propulsion combinations for a mass range from 2 t to 8 t wet masses
► Identification of reference mission
- Subsystem Design and Operational Impact Analyses
► Validation of reference mission by
-Accommodation analyses
-AOCS performance analyses
► Identification of key technology
► Cost and MAIT Assessment
Key objective of the Feasibility study is the identification of a reference mission. Based on a computational based field study a platform has been identified for which a Dual Mode System in combination with an electrical propulsion system yield satisfactory results and which is further investigated. In conclusion, the reference mission will be a platform specific in size and propulsion system layout.
Key objective of the Subsystem Design and Operational Impact Analyses is the validation of the previously identified reference mission. This is done by evaluating the potential accommodation and by evaluating the AOCS performance taking the specific centre of mass shift into account. The main premise of this task is to allow only for minor modifications of current platform design since it is believed that the acceptance to change the propulsion system of a given platform is higher if changes in platform architecture (like AOCS concept) are minimal.
Key objective of the programmatic consideration is the characterisation of the hardware cost implications (RC). Despite potential benefits, a new propulsion system will only be attractive if recurrent costs can be significantly reduced.