Performance Test Methodology for Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion Intakes in an Atomic Oxygen Facility

The testing of atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion intakes is an important step in the development of functional propulsion systems which provide sustained drag compensation in very low Earth orbits. To make satellite operations more sustainable, it is necessary to develop new materials which withstand erosion, long-lasting propulsion systems to overcome drag, and tools that allow for ground-based testing. Among the tools to enable these innovations is the Rarefied Orbital Aerodynamics Research facility at the University of Manchester. Here, a description of the facility is provided together with two different methodologies for testing sub-scaled intake designs for atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion systems. The first methodology is based on measurements of the pressure difference between the two extremities of the intake, while the second uses a gas sensor to measure the collection efficiency of the intake. Direct Simulation Monte Carlo models have been used to assess the viability of the proposed testing methodologies. The results of this analysis indicate that either methodology or a combination of both can provide suitable measurements to assess the performance of future intake designs.