Title:
Lessons Learned in University Production of
CubeSat Propulsion Systems
Lessons Learned in University Production of
CubeSat Propulsion Systems
Author(s)
Glaser, Mackenzie J.
Advisor(s)
Lightsey, E. Glenn
Editor(s)
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Abstract
The Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL) at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) designs
and manufactures propulsion systems for CubeSats using green monopropellant and cold gas
propulsion technologies. Over the history of building these systems, a variety of off-nominal
behaviors and nonconformances have been observed including contamination by foreign
object debris, higher than acceptable leak rates, and inconsistent performance. Root cause
investigations have been conducted where appropriate for individual systems and the
identified root causes have included manufacturing defects, incomplete cleaning processes,
and improper parts sizing. This paper collects and identifies historic off-nominal behaviors
and nonconformances observed in SSDL-built propulsion systems and discusses the
investigations of the root causes of these behaviors. These root cause issues are outlined and
compared to present suspected systemic issues in propulsion system production. Root cause
issues on each unit are added up based on the larger category of cause including design,
assembly and test processes, or facilities used to conduct these processes. Frequency of causes
over the whole propulsion program are used to confirm trends in root causes. Based on these
trends, best practices are highlighted to prevent failures on future systems and ensure the
highest possible quality of hardware.
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Date Issued
2023-05-01
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
Rights Statement
Unless otherwise noted, all materials are protected under U.S. Copyright Law and all rights are reserved