The fourth HPGP specific demonstration block (HPGP 4) has now been successfully completed within the extended PRISMA mission. HPGP-4 was performed as planned between April 14th - May 27th, 2011. The operations were performed at the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) in Oberpfaffenhofen.
The PRISMA HPGP Propulsion System has now fired 34,000 pulses during 200 sequences and accumulated 2.3 hours of firing. 35 m/s Delta-V has been generated and 53 % of the propellant has been consumed. All planned In-flight demonstration objectives and goals have successfully accomplished.
Back-to-back comparison between the PRISMA HPGP and Hydrazine propulsion systems clearly shows that the higher specific impulse of the HPGP system compared to the Hydrazine system is even lager than predicted. The results from the In-space demonstration will be presented at the Joint Propulsion Conference in San Diego on August 2nd and the Conference on Small Satellites in Logan on August 10.
New objectives for the continued mission are now in the planning process.
Many thanks to the DLR PRISMA Operations Crew for your dedicated and professional support.
The fourth HPGP specific demonstration block (HPGP 4) now performed within the extended PRISMA mission started on April 14th. This time the operations take place at the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) in Oberpfaffenhofen.
Ten firing sequences (400 pulses) were performed as planned on April 14th and 15th and they were all nominal. The tests will continue after Easter and are planned to be completed by the end of May.