The High Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster HEMPT based Ion Propulsion System for the SmallGEO Satellite

Thales Electron Devices GmbH TEDG has developed and is currently qualifying a novel type of ion propulsion system based on High Efficie ncy Multistage Plasma Thrusters HEMPTs. This so-called HEMPT Assembly will be integrated on OHB-System AG’s SmallGEO geo-stationary telecommunication platform to perform attitude and orbit control maneuvers for the Hispasat AG1 mission. The HEMPT Assembly consists of four HEMPT Modules and one Power Supply and Control Unit PSCU which supplies the HEMPT Modules with electric power and controls their operation. The so-called HEMPTIS program (HEMP Thruster In orbit verification on SmallGEO) initiated by German Space Agency DLR includes all associated component development, system engineering, testing and qualification activities, and the delivery of the r espective flight units. Currently, the HEMPT Assembly is undergoing the Critical Design Review CDR. All relevant activities to demonstrate the compliance of the HEMPT Assembly with the satellite requirements have been mostly accomplished and production of qualification and flight hardware has been started.