Nammo Space is developing the Dual In-line Chemical Thruster Valve [SVS10] together with the European Space Agency.  The valve is a two stage solenoid actuated flow control device, designed for propulsion system applications.

The Chemical Thruster Valve consists of a pair of identical valve stages. The inlet and outlet fittings are different which creates the upstream and downstream valve.  Each valve stage is a solenoid operated flow control valve with a single seat, single coil, normally closed with non-sliding fit configuration.  The design of the seal/seat interface ensures minimal flow discontinuities, therefore reducing susceptibility to contamination induced failures and minimising pressure losses.

Each valve is opened independently by energising each coil; the resulting force generated by the induced magnetic flux causing the armature to move towards the ‘fixed pole’, and in doing so lifts the seal from its seat.  The thruster valve is a fully welded component, ensuring the external leak meets the spacecraft needs.

The inlet incorporates a 25µm particle filter, integrated in the valve inlet. The inlet to the valve can be supplied with welded or threaded connections, using straight and right angled connections.  The outlet flange incorporates the interface with the thruster or other equipment. This is typically a bolted flange interface, and can be customised depending on the customer application.

Status

This thruster valve is being developed with ESA for Nammo Space small thrusters and global chemical thrust applications.

NAMMO IRELAND

ENGINEERING

• Dedicated, skilled space engineering team
• Design and qualification of fluid control devices for spacecraft and launcher applications
• Structural hardware design for production
• Design for survivability in extreme launcher applications
• Design knowledge and techniques for Additive Manufactured hardware

PRODUCTION

• CNC machine tools, including 5-axis
• Electro Discharge Wire machine tools
• Spherical bearing production with Everlube 811 bearing lubrication
• Prototyping for development and production hardware
• Precision machining of specialist and exotic alloys for rocket engine applications

CLEANROOM and TESTING

• ISO Class 8 environment, with Class 5 laminar flow booths
• Water flow test
• Thermal vacuum cycling
• Vacuum testing
• Cleanliness measurement

QUALITY and INSPECTION

• Certified to AS9100
• Fully equipped metrology department
• CMM and optical measuring equipment
• Complete traceability of material and inspection records
• Trained DPRV personnel