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The Electric Propulsion Laboratory (EPL) supports research and development of spacecraft power and electric propulsion systems.
EPL features two very large space environment simulation chambers; intermediate and smaller environment simulation chambers suitable for testing small engines or components; bell jars used for development and small-scale component testing; and support areas including an electronics shop, machine shop, clean room, and office space.
The space simulation chambers have been enhanced to support the unique requirements of electric propulsion and power system testing. VF-5 cryopumps 3.5 million liters of air per second with its 33.5 sq meter of 12 K helium cryopanels. VF-6's solar simulator can provide 1.2 solar constants on a 5-meter diameter target or 11 solar constants on a 30-cm target. Several of the chambers have multiple air-locked access ports. These ports allow several tests to be conducted simultaneously in each chamber without cycling the chamber back to atmospheric pressure during introduction or removal of test hardware. Conditioned DC power is supplied to VF-5, VF-6 and VF-12 for powering ion, hall and MPD thrusters.
The staff of EPL have been supporting electric propulsion and power system testing for over 40 years and have developed technology leading techniques with precision thrust balances, thruster erosion diagnostics, plume characterization, and EMI/EMC.
For additional information regarding research supported by EPL, please refer to the following internet links:
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