Chisato Kobayashi

Propulsion System for Panel ExTension SATellite (PETSAT)

We are promoting SOHLA series PETSAT microsatellites and developing a propulsion system based on a new concept as part of the SOHLA project, in order that microsatellites will be capable of orbit transfers by equipping with propulsion system for orbit correction, compensation, and EFELDO. We found a good combination of fuel and oxidizer with a higher performance catalyst, and they are the most promising candidate for the propulsion system because of propulsion performance and their safety. We estimated the propulsion system attained 200 seconds of specific impulse in an appropriate thrust magnitude range, and designed and manufactured a breadboard model of the propulsion system for PETSAT.

Propulsion System on Hydrogen Peroxide Mono-Propellant for Panel ExTension SATellite (PETSAT)

[Abstract] An innovative microsatellite, PETSAT, and propulsion system for PETSAT are presented in this paper. First, we outline what PETSAT is and why propulsion is installed into the PETSAT. Based of the PETSAT ethos, design policy of the propulsion system is also provided. According to the policy, we designed propulsion system and concretely estimated and assembled monopropellant system and preliminary thruster, which indicated that monopropellant propulsion with 50 sec of specific impulse and 100 mN-class of thrust is probable even based on the design policy. Catalyst performance tests were conducted for efficient decomposition of propellant and captive tests via the preliminary thruster were conducted. We have also been investigating bipropellant propulsion for PETSAT based on the design policy, and 100 sec of specific impulse and 1 N-class of thrust is probable. We are reporting on the present situation in their developments.

Generalized Propulsion System for Panel ExTension SATellite (PETSAT)

An innovative Panel ExTension SATellite (PETSAT) and propulsion system for PETSAT, are presented in this paper. Based on PETSAT ethos, design policy of the propulsion system is provided. According to the policy, we designed propulsion system and concretely estimated and assembled mono-propellant and bi-propellant systems, and it indicated that mono-propellant propulsion with 50-60 seconds of specific impulse and 1 N of thrust is probable. In the case of bi-propellant, 120-150 seconds of specific impulse is valid even based on the design policy. We conducted captive tests of mono-propellant and bi-propellant propulsions with a breadboard model and flight model of propulsion system for PETSAT, and obtained good operations and performances. Now we are proceeding with its further improvements.

System Design and Control Aspect of a Novel Satellite Concept “Panel Extension Satellite (PETSAT)”

Abstract A novel concept of satellite design, named “PETSAT,” is proposed and its system design and control aspect is discussed in this paper. In this concept, a satellite is made of several “Functional Panels” such as “Communication panel,” “Attitude control panel,” “Thruster panel,” and “Mission Panel,” each of which has a special dedicated function. By connecting these panels by reliable connection mechanism in “plug-in” fashion, the total integrated system as a whole has a satellite function. The satellite is configured by multiple panels with hinges, which poses unique problems on system design, information management and dynamics and control, such as design of function distributions into panels, inter-/intra-panel communication systems architecture, moment of inertia management, flexibility, distributed control and so on. The paper will describe the basic concept of PETSAT, result of system design and subsystem development with focus on information management system and Attitude Control Panel. In-orbit demonstration plan which is now scheduled in 2008 − 2009 will also be given.