Cold Gas Thruster
ESA - SWARM.
Based on the Nammo Space well-established SVS01 range of high performance solenoid valves; the SVT01 series of Cold Gas Thrusters has been in production for over fifteen years. Across the range, the same solenoid body is used, with the variation in thrust being achieved with an interchangeable nozzle cone at the outlet. This system allows the incorporation of a baffle which protects the elastomeric seal from atomic oxygen attack.
The mono-stable solenoid uses a single coil to energise the movement of a suspended sealing armature. This assembly is located using a diaphragm spring to eliminate sliding fit issues. The armature to seat profiles have been designed to minimise flow discontinuities, thereby reducing the susceptibility to contamination induced failures. It also uses a flat faced seal to reduce the risk associated with valve internal leakage due to a high cycle life.
When in the unpowered state, system pressure forces and a spring, work together to keep the armature held in the closed position. The coil resistance, inlet filter rating, seal material and mechanical interfaces are all adjustable to suit the customer requirements.
Operating Media
GN2, CF4, GXe
Maximum Operating Pressure
14.6 psi to 36.2 psi
Proof Pressure
254 psi
Operational Temperature
-31°F to +203°F
Vacuum Thrust
0.0022 lbf (± 5%) to 0.22 lbf (± 5%)
Specific Impulse, GN2
72 seconds [nominal]
Specific Impulse, CF4
47 seconds [nominal]
Specific Impulse, GXe
30 seconds [nominal]
Thrust Vector Accuracy
<1°
Impulse Bit Repeatability
<5%
Electrical Interface
Flying leads
Coil Resistance
110 Ω to 115Ω at 68°F (typical)
Response Time
Opening and Closing
Power Consumption
Please contact Nammo to discuss your specific needs.
Internal Leakage
1 x 10-4 scc/s GHe max at 1.5 bar
External Leakage
at End of Life
Operating Cycle Life
1,500,000 cycles
Filter Rating
25 µm absolute
Construction Materials
AISI304L, Radiometal 4550, Silicone/EPDM Rubber
Hardware Mass
60 gram
Envelope
24 x 24 mm flange, 16 mm cylinder OD, 52 mm length
Fluidic Interface
The interfaces can be customised based on the customer needs.
Structural Interface
The interfaces can be customised based on the customer needs.
Mounting
The interfaces can be customised based on the customer needs.
Technology Readiness Level
Flight Qualified, TRL9
Status
The thruster has flown on a variety of spacecraft, including:
NAMMO CHELTENHAM
GENERAL CAPABILITIES
- Dedicated, skilled space engineering team
- Experienced Assembly Integration and Test team
- Program Management
QUALITY AND INSPECTION
- Certified to AS9100
- Inspection department including CMM and optical measuring equipment
- Laser part marking
- Complete traceability of inspection records
- Material traceability from original mill source to final components
CLEANROOM and ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
- ISO Class 8 environment, with Class 5 laminar flow booths
- Large 1m diameter x 2m long Vacuum chamber
- Thermal vacuum chambers
- Thrust test facility
- Vacuum/leak testing and pressure testing.
- Air borne and liquid Particle measurement.
- Pressure test facility to 1500 bar
- Computer controlled TIG and Orbital TIG weld facility
