Use of a "wide dynamic range" Electronic Flow Regulator to increase the flexibility and versatili ty of Electric and Cold Gas Small Propulsion Systems

The propellant flow regulation is a key function o f a satellite Propellant Management System. The fundamental components to perform a very fine and stable regulation of the propellant (gas) flow, namely the mass flow and the "control actuation" valve have been developed and qualified by TAS-I for applications to Cold Gas Micro Propulsion and Electric Propulsion. The paper addresses a review of the building blocks and components arrangements versus the identified application areas and a description of the developed mass flow regulation components with relevant exhibited performances. The identified specific applications, transversal t o different propulsion technologies, namely addressing the Cold Gas Micro Thrusters (fully qualification achieved within GAIA Program), the Flow regulation/throttling of Electric Thrusters and the Propellant Gauging are also discussed in the paper. For what c oncerns the propellant gauging, specific applications to both Electric and Chemical Propulsion are presented.