SpinSat Mission Overview

Abstract

The SpinSat flight is a small satellite mission proposed by the Naval Research Laboratory and Digital Solid State Propulsion (DSSP) LLC to demonstrate and characterize the on-orbit performance of electrically controlled solid propellant technology in space. This is an enabling technology for the small satellite community that will allow small satellites to perform maneuvers. The mission consists of a 22-inch diameter spherical spacecraft fitted with Electrically Controlled Solid Propellant thrusters and retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). The spacecraft will be deployed from the International Space Station. One scientific objective of the mission is to monitor total neutral density along the orbit for improved orbit determination of resident space objects. This paper presents a mission overview and emphasis will be placed on the design, thruster design, optical layout, and science capabilities of the mission.