PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The project aims to develop and to qualify a new version of the PROP module that is used in the Spacebus4000 platform for telecom satellite. The PROP module implements the electronic for the control and the monitoring of the propulsion valves. The re-designed module is named PROPA and takes advantage of the experience gathered on the SB4000 satellites to simplify the requirements and to reduce the manufacturing costs.
The objectives of the PROPA development are:
- To reduce the manufacturing costs by 15% in comparison to the PROP module.
- To be compliant with the requirements for both the Alphabus and the SB4000 platforms.
PROPA board and PFDIU packaging concepts:
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Challenges
The key issues solved by the project are:
- Simplify the valve command and monitoring electronic without degrading the reliability of the propulsion sub-system.
- Optimize the command of the ABM valves: a novel design using a power switch is used to reduce the number and the complexity of the DC-DC converters used to control these valves.
- Optimize the manufacturability and the testability of the module.
Plan
The development activities are:
- Design, development and documentation of the PROPA module;
- Manufacturing, electrical, thermal and mechanical validation tests of an EM model;
- Development of the test equipment (HW and SW) for the PROPA module;
- Qualification of the PROPA module in the PFDIU EQM6.
All activities are completed
Current Status
All activities are completed.
- Qualification of the PROPA EQM was completed on 17.07.08,
- Qualification of the PFDIU EQM6, including the PROPA EQM, was completed on 14.01.2009,
- First flight-qualified PROPA was delivered to Alphabus/Inmarsat XL program on 12.01.2009.