Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Patterson, M..
This paper provides an overview of the system and presents the flight validation data from the first 7600 hours of ion propulsion system operation in interplanetary space.
A long-duration test of the Deep Space 1 (DS1) flight spare thruster (FT2) is presently being conducted. To date, the thruster has accumulated over 6700 hours of operation.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Deep Space 1 is the first interplanetary spacecraft to use an ion propulsion system for the primary delta-v maneuvers. The purpose of the mission is to validate a number of technologies, including ion propulsion and a high degree of spacecraft autonomy, on a flyby of an asteroid and two comets.
Ground testing of the DS1 flight spare thruster (FT2) is presently being conducted.
A major component in validating ion propulsion for use on future deep space and earth orbital missions is demonstrating that the engines have sufficient service life capability.