Design and development of a communications satellite propellant tank

Abstract

In order to provide a lighter weight, less complicated, more easily manufactured, and more capable propellant tank for a high capacity communications satellite, a new design was conceived from two previously successful communications satellite programs. A light weight tank shell coupled with reoriented pressurant and propellant ports and a redesigned propellant management device (PMD) fulfilled this requirement. The resultant tank is fabricated in an all-welded titanium configuration with a sponge, vane and trap PMD to store and to provide pressurized gas-free propellants to the main satellite thrusters and reaction control system thrusters in a zero g environment.