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Analytical
Engineering
Background
Rocket Propulsion
Satellite Propulsion
Fluid Dynamics
Thermodynamics
Structure Mechanics
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Satellite propulsion systems analysis
and simulation tools.
Tools developed by Astrium's Lampoldshausen team to support satellite
propulsion systems design, engineering and simulation.
Satellite Propulsion System Engineering &
Simulation
Within the field of satellite propulsion systems, the responsibilities
of Astrium's Lampoldshausen facility, near Stuttgart, Germany, extends from
design, engineering, analysis and integration, through to actual hot-fire
testing, test support,
post-test analysis and evaluation. Most of these activities are supported
by satellite propulsion system simulation tools. The performance prediction
accuracy of these tools is constantly verified by actual hot-fire testing
- performed within a short walk from where the tools are actually developed. The tools developed at Lampoldshausen are used for monopropellant,
bipropellant
and ion thruster
propulsion systems - which are also designed and developed at the same
facility.
Software Simulation Tools
The software simulation tools developed at Lampoldshausen are not only
used for satellite propulsion systems, but also interplanetary space probes,
platforms, carriers, launch vehicle roll control systems, upper stage attitude
and orbital control systems, and more recently for the propulsion system
of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) which will be used for resupplying
the International Space Station. All of these tools are precisely tailored
to the specific application and customer requirements.
Historic Achievements
The historic achievements in both satellite propulsion systems
and space probe propulsion systems attributed to the Lampoldshausen team
include:
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Symphonie
Dec 1974
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TV Sat
Nov 1987
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Hipparcos
Aug 1989
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Galileo
Oct 1989
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Click on images
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Recent Achievements
A more recent achievement attributed to the Lampoldshausen team was the
development of the first ion propulsion system in Europe.
In 2001, this ion propulsion system was integrated to the Artemis
telecommunications satellite as a redundant satellite propulsion system.
Due to an upper stage malfunction, Artemis was injected into a low elliptical
orbit with the threat of a lost mission. However, the redundant ion propulsion
system was called into service and succeeded in raising Artemis into a
circular 32,000 km orbit in January 2003, thereby allowing the communications
satellite the possibility to operate for its nominal 10-year life.
Simulation Tools Description
As a part of Lampoldshausen's engineering
tasks, major simulation software tools have been developed to support satellite
propulsion systems design, engineering and orbital operations. These tools
are used in support of propulsion systems for satellites, orbital vehicles,
interplanetary spacecraft, probes as well as more complex systems such
as used on the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV
The ATV is an automated vehicle designed to transport cargo
to the International Space Station (ISS). It will also be used to provide
thrust for maintaining the ISS on its nominal orbit every 1.5 years. The
ATV is launched into its initial orbit by Ariane 5.
Video of ATV propulsion
system testing at the P2 test facility, Lampoldshausen.
MPG movie clip, 13 sec, 2.19 MB
| UPS
Performance Analysis & Simulation Tool (UPSAT) |
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UPSAT (UPS Performance Analysis & Simulation
Tool) is a propulsion system simulation and performance prediction tool
for Unified Propulsion Systems used for satellites
and space probes. UPSAT is used for all monopropellant and bipropellant
propulsion systems. This fast and easy to use tool can be used with
varying accuracy, depending on the nature of the task. The user can
select from several component models of differing accuracy and complexity.
Thus, rough but fast design computations can be performed, as well as
precise performance predictions of propulsion system during orbital
operations.
The range of UPSAT application extends from
support to propulsion system analyses to simulation of Propulsion System
main LAE operation phase (LEOP). UPSAT also gives performance predictions
of LAE (Thrust, Isp, mass flow), regulated tank pressures and lock-up
pressures during orbital operations.
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| ATV
Propulsion System Simulation Software (ATVSim) |
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Flow Schematic
ATV Propulsion System
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ATVSim (ATV Propulsion System Simulation Software)
is a software tool that simulates the entire propulsion system of the
ATV.
The ATV propulsion system comprises
4 x 490 N main engines and 28 x 200 N attitude control thrusters.
This precision propulsion system is designed to perform orbit
raising, orbital manoeuvres for ISS rendezvous and precision
manoeuvres for gentle docking with the station.
Because of its close proximity with manned operations,
the bi-propellant propulsion system has a high level of redundancy.
Due to this redundancy, flow paths having different flow characteristics
are possible during operation, depending on the status of the propellant
latch valves. Consequently, the complete subsystem was modelled for
compatibility with the accuracy needs.
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ATVSim showing selected system parameters
and indicating the valve status
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ATVSim models the complete ATV propulsion system
and features complex time dependant mission files for all
combinations of valve status. It can define environmental
temperatures and specify main engine and thruster firing duration's
via a graphical user interface.
ATVSim was focused on an easy user
interface with comfortable post-processing capabilities, e.g.
parameters can be displayed as curves vs. time or in the form
of freely definable display windows within the flow chart
of the system. Here, the parameters are updated during the
running of a simulation.
Due to processor advances and a deep
integration within the operation system, a simulation process
can be achieved, significantly faster than real-time. Even
so, the software can be run on a simple laptop computer, thereby
allowing portable use within an operation centre for the production
of accurate and reliable flight predictions.
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Contact for Further Information
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If
you require more detailed information on any of our products or services,
then please contact
us, indicating your particular areas of interest or intended application.
Your enquiry will receive our best attention.
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