TRW Arcjet Electric Propulsion System delivered to Air Force for on-orbit tests.Friday delivered to the U.S. Air Force's Phillips Laboratory an innovative arcjet electric propulsion Electric propulsion is a form of spacecraft propulsion used in outer space. This type of rocket engines utilize electric energy to obtain thrust, unlike the "normal" rocket engines that use chemical energy. system that could ensure more responsive, affordable and capable future generations of advanced satellites. The arcjet, so-called because an electric arc is used to heat and accelerate propellant pro·pel·lant also pro·pel·lent n. 1. Something, such as an explosive charge or a rocket fuel, that propels or provides thrust. 2. to obtain propulsion, is a highly fuel-efficient space propulsion system Noun 1. propulsion system - a system that provides a propelling or driving force system - instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity; "he bought a new stereo system"; "the system consists of a motor and a . The fuel efficiency provided by an arcjet could be used to extend a satellite's life, deliver more payload to operational orbit, enable affordable repositioning of a satellite, or make it possible to launch existing payloads on smaller launch vehicles This is a list of space launch vehicles sorted by country/operator in alphabetical order, commercial vehicles are listed under their corresponding country.
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``An arcjet upper stage could almost double the amount of payload put on orbit in some cases,'' said Mary Kriebel, manager for the Electric Propulsion Space Experiment (ESEX ESEX Electric Propulsion Space Experiment ) project at TRW TRW The Real World (TV reality show) TRW The Right Way TRW Tactical Reconnaissance Wing TRW The Retriever Weekly (University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD) TRW Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Inc Space & Electronics Group, located in Redondo Beach Redondo Beach (rĭdŏn`dō), city (1990 pop. 60,167), Los Angeles co., S Calif., on the Pacific Ocean; inc. 1892. Once a commercial port for Los Angeles, it is a residential and resort city with a protected harbor and an excellent marina. . ``A user has many options to choose from in taking advantage of the weight savings provided by electric propulsion.'' Arcjet research technology has been under development at the Phillips Lab's facilities since the early 1980s. Recent improvements in space power systems have made the technology practical. Today, arcjets can provide two to three times the fuel efficiency compared with chemical rocket-propulsion systems. This promising technology is now being transitioned and demonstrated by a flight unit developed, designed, built and flight-qualified by TRW. TRW began work on the 30-kilowatt class, ammonia-fueled arcjet flight unit under a Phillips Laboratory Propulsion Directorate contract awarded in 1990. The arcjet system will be integrated onto the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS Argos, city, ancient Greece Argos (är`gŏs, –gəs), city of ancient Greece, in NE Peloponnesus, 3 mi (4.8 km) inland from the Gulf of Argos, near the modern Nauplia. ), scheduled for launch in 1997. On-orbit tests will enable engineers to address the operational issues of arcjets; verify the readiness of high-powered arcjet technology for operational use; and greatly supplement the existing arcjet database. TRW served as the prime contractor on the ESEX project and was responsible for all of the system engineering and flight-qualification testing. Olin Aerospace Co. built and flight-qualified the arcjet thruster, power conditioning unit and propellant feed system. Team member CTA An abbreviation for cum testamento annexo, Latin for "with the will annexed." Space System Inc. built the payload structure, command-and- control and power systems, and integrated the hardware. TRW is a leader in propulsion products and technology. TRW market segments include ballistic-missile defense and advanced spacecraft and space transportation stages. The company also provides propulsion components, engines, and systems for spacecraft attitude and velocity control, orbit maneuvering and adjust, tactical mission steering and orbit insertion. TRW Space & Electronics Group, an operating unit operating unit A type of operating company that engages in transactions with outsiders and that is owned by another business. For example, in 1995 the stockholders of Capital Cities/ABC approved a $19 billion merger with the Walt Disney Company, whereupon of TRW Inc., produces advanced-technology spacecraft and electronics systems for U.S. government, commercial and international customers. It has built more than 185 communications, scientific and defense spacecraft, developed more than 200 advanced space instruments, and integrated some 550 experiments into spacecraft. TRW Inc. provides advanced technology products and services for the automotive and space and defense markets worldwide. Sales in 1995 totaled $10.2 billion. -0- NOTE: For more information from Phillips Lab Public Affairs, call: Ranney Adams, director of public affairs, 805/275-5465. CONTACT: TRW Inc., Redondo Beach Sally Koris, 310/812-4721 |
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