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The Electric Propulsion Research Building (EPRB) supports research and development of spacecraft power, electric propulsion, and space environmental effects. Presently, EPRB is supporting research focused on ion thrusters, magneto plasma dynamic thrusters, pulsed plasma thrusters, stirling engine converters, regenerative fuel cells, space plasma potentials, and atomic oxygen.
The cornerstone to EPRB's research capabilities results from its suite of space simulation chambers. EPRB chambers range in size from bench top bell jars to 3-meters in diameter and are equipped with various pumping systems (cryopumps, diffusion pumps, oil-free pumping trains, and high-throughput roots-blowers) depending upon the specific requirements of a test program. In addition, EPRB has over 20,000 sq ft of specialty labs, build-up area and machine shop area. EPRB works synergistically with other larger vacuum facilities located at GRC.
Research that is initiated in EPRB on a concept or component level leads to a system or higher fidelity tests in facilities such as VF-5 (very high pumping speed), VF-6 (unique in its solar simulator capabilities and electric propulsion features), or SPF (world's largest vacuum chamber). This insures that these world-class facilities are effectively utilized and that research is done in the most cost-effective manner possible.
EPRB has eight vacuum chambers and over half a dozen bell jars that provide the required simulated space to conduct fundamental research in space power and electric propulsion. These vacuum facilities are further enhanced to insure GRC continues to provide the technology development necessary for NASA to explore the solar system.
- VF-1 has a 250 kJ capacitor bank that is especially suited for conducting fundamental research on high-powered thrusters such as MPD.
- VF-7 is surrounded by one foot thick concrete which makes it an excellent test bed for conducting research where safety may be a concern such as thrusters with hydrogen as a propellant or thrusters that produce plasmas through RF generation.
- VF-9 has the capability to produce atomic oxygen over a 1.5-meter by 2.1-meter area.
- VF-10 is equipped with an oil free pumping and LN2/GN2 cooled cold walls which facilitates qualification and acceptance testing of electrical components for space flight.
- VF-11 is a cryopumped facility with a pumping speed of 120,000 liters/sec for xenon. In addition to its ability to retain a high vacuum even when a thruster is propelling, VF-11 is equipped with diagnostic equipment including adjoining laser labs that supports fundamental research on ion thrusters, hollow cathodes and plasma contactors.
- VF-16 is a cryopumped facility with a pumping speed of 250,000 liter/sec for xenon. VF-16 is equipped with an LN2-cooled target.
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