Spacecraft propulsion systems: An overview of Fiat Avio activities

The aim of this paper is to present both current and future works in the frame of Fiat Avio activities. Particularly, the experiences gained in design, development, integration and testing of liquid storable propellants systems for spacecraft propulsion are reported here. Such activities have been performed in the following programs: Olympus, Italsat I/II, SAX, Eureca, XMM, Artemis, Integral, IRIS, Tethered Satellite System 1/1R and Sicral. Current Fiat Avio activities, on S/C Propulsions, are addressed toward two main directions: 1. Technological program (funded by ASI) of Russian 12 N/400 N bi-propellant thrusters for spacecraft. This program consist in a comprehensive performance and environmental qualification, according western standard, using MMH and NTO, in lieu of Russian standard propellants (UDMH/NTO). Main use of these engines is on bipropellant propulsion systems for GEO satellites. 2. ESA contract: Propulsion 2000, assessing the most promising advanced propulsion systems for the next two decades. All systems are analyzed in terms of performances, technologies, critical issues, and mission scenarios. Finally a market survey has been accomplished and a trade-off is on progress. The target is the evaluation of new propulsion systems by taking into account both technology readiness level and mission scenario from a European point of view.