Demonstration of the NSTAR ion propulsion system on the Deep Space One mission

Abstract

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 a comet. The ion propulsion system has operated for a total of over 14,200 hours at engine power levels ranging from 0.48 to 1.94 kW and has completed the encounter with the asteroid Braille (1992KD) and the comet Borrelly. The system has worked extremely well after an initial grid short was cleared after launch. Operation on the DS 1 spacecraft has demonstrated all ion propulsion system and autonomous naviga-tion functions. All propulsion system operating parameters are very close to the expected values. This paper provides an overview of the system performance from the first 14,200 hours of ion propulsion system operation in interplanetary space.