How Hall Thruster Works (Click to enlarge) Source: JAXA
Changes in the number of small artificial satellites launched under 500 kg in the world (click to enlarge) Source: Furukawa Electric
JAXA: Hall thruster for satellite constellation: Equipped with GaN device
-JAXA and Furukawa Electric start co-creation-
Furukawa Electric and JAXA:
Started joint development of lightweight and low-cost power sources for next-generation Hall thrusters for small satellites.
Furukawa Electric
Demonstrate on orbit in 2025 and aim for commercialization in 2026.
JAXA
Adopted for “next-generation Hall thrusters that support future JAXA missions”.
Artificial satellite propulsion type:
There are two types of artificial satellite propulsion machines.
“Chemical propulsion” by fuel and “Electric propulsion” by electric energy
Hall thrusters are electric propulsion:
This time, the Hall thruster developed by Furukawa Electric and JAXA is
A propulsion machine classified as electric propulsion.
Thrust is high in electric propulsion,
It has the feature of saving fuel consumption compared to chemical promotion.
JAXA is also proceeding with research and development of 1kW class Hall thrusters.
Hall thrusters are ideal for small satellites:
In the world artificial satellite market, the demand for small satellites is increasing year by year.
Small satellites can be developed at lower cost and in a shorter period of time than large satellites.
Number of small artificial satellites launched:
The number of small artificial satellites launched under 500 kg in the world.
It will increase from 302 in 2020 to 3121 in 2030.
Hall thrusters are the best propulsion devices for small satellites.
Demand is likely to grow along with small satellites.
Power of GaN power devices:
Furukawa Electric is strong in thermal design technology and winding design technology cultivated in the development of consumer products.
Based on the research results of GaN (gallium nitride) power devices, we will promote the miniaturization and weight reduction of power supplies.
Space Exploration-MONOist
https://monoist.atmarkit.co.jp/mn/articles/2103/16/news048.html
JAXA | Furukawa Electric begins development of power supply for artificial satellites
This time, we will promote “lightening and cost reduction of next-generation Hall thrusters (see reference figures) for small satellites.”
We will use consumer technology to power small satellites to solve problems.
Lighter weight and lower cost of power supply:
Furukawa Electric:
Thermal design technology and winding design technology cultivated in development,
Research on GaN (gallium nitride) power devices, etc.
Built on the basis of compact and lightweight power supply technology.
JAXA:
We will combine R & D results such as discharge control technology in the space environment.
Artificial satellite propulsion hall thruster:
This Hall thruster is in the category of “electric propulsion”.
Thrust is high in electric propulsion,
It has the advantage of saving fuel consumption compared to chemical promotion.
JAXA is proceeding with research and development of 1kW class Hall thrusters.
However, the development of artificial satellites around the world demands lighter and lower cost power sources.
Used in satellite constellations:
Furukawa Electric is looking to expand into satellite constellations (* 2) in the fields of earth observation and communications.
We will commercialize the on-orbit demonstration (target) in 2025 and the next-generation Hall thruster power supply in 2026.