AFRL Conducts Successful TacSat-2 Propulsion Tests Published Dec. 5, 2006 By Propulsion Directorate AFRL/PR WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- AFRL engineers successfully fired the 200 W Hall Effect Thruster during spacecraft-level thermal vacuum testing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The thermal vacuum test verifies the thermal design of the TacSat-2 spacecraft, and it represents the only opportunity prior to launch to verify the thruster's operation with the spacecraft. AFRL engineers performed numerous firings of varying duration over different temperature regimes. The Hall Effect Thruster is an electric propulsion system featuring high specific impulse (approximately 1400 sec) and nominal thrust levels (on the order of 13.5 mN). The system is lightweight (approximately 8.5 kg dry mass), and it addresses the need to reduce the overall size and electrical power requirements of orbiting spacecraft and satellites. Its primary use is to maintain orbit against drag. AFRL is developing the TacSat-2 microsatellite as the first in a series designed to demonstrate the objectives of the joint warfighting space initiative. The TacSat-2 spacecraft is scheduled for launch later in 2006.