Plume Contamination Measurements of an Additively-Printed GOX/ABS Hybrid Thruster

PLUME CONTAMINATION MEASUREMENTS OF AN ADDITIVELY-PRINTED GOX/ABS HYBRID THRUSTER by David A. Brewer, Master of Science Utah State University, 2018 Major Professor: Dr. Stephen A. Whitmore Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Historically, due to the lack of a reliable, on-demand, and multiple-use ignition methodology, hybrid rockets have never been previously considered for in-space propulsion. Recently, the Propulsion Research Laboratory at Utah State University has developed unique arc-ignition system that overcomes this problem and allows hybrids to be started, stopped, and restarted with a high degree of reliability, and requiring a low power input. The technology is derived from the unique electrical breakdown properties of 3-D printed plastics like ABS. Because ABS is an entirely new material for propulsion applications, and no database exists to describe the potential deleterious effects of the exhaust plume on spacecraft surfaces. Adsorption of propellant effluents on spacecraft surfaces can create multiple operational concerns; for example, deposition of molecules on solar arrays and thermal control surfaces can lead to decreased power production and increased spacecraft temperatures. This paper presents the results from a set of preliminary