Game Changing Development
Flight Qualification of Busek's 5N Green Monopropellant Thruster, BGT-5
Project Introduction
NASA will test a Busek 5N flight-like thruster which is designed to operate on AF-M315E; a non-toxic monopropellant. Testing will consist of performance, life and plume diagnostics at altitude to simulate space conditions. Key data will include Raman Spectroscopy and Schlieren imaging to study the plume species relative concentrations, temperature, velocity, and structure.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Busek Company, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Natick, Massachusetts |
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Busek Company, Inc. | Industry | Natick, Massachusetts |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Massachusetts
Project Closeout
Testing completed at both GRC and MSFC. GRC not able to take test to end of life due to hardware valve) and operational issues. Schlieren analysis of combustion plume was able to detect aerosol formation but not shock waves. Raman spectral analysis was inconclusive. Testing at MSFC halted after in-test anomaly resulted in mechanical failure of valve at the end of the Burn-in phase. TRL elevated to 4 or 5 (not 6 since testing in a relevant environment was not completed).
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Busek Company, Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Game Changing Development
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Project Duration
Start: Nov 2015
End: Sep 2017
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 5 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX13 Ground, Test, and Surface Systems
- TX13.2 Test and Qualification
- TX13.2.6 Advanced Life-Cycle Testing Techniques
Target Destination
Earth
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