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VASIMR ISS Extension Design

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The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket, developed by Ad Astra Rocket Company is an advanced plasma propulsion technology which will be attached to the International Space Station in 2014 to serve as the main thrust device to counteract atmospheric drag. This project covers the first iteration of a design for this structure, including all of its sub components, which have been tested to support launch and operation forces. The assembly components, over 200 of them, were all individually tested using Finite Element Analysis. The completed structure fits inside the Taurus II commercial rocket, and complies with all requirements set by both Ad Astra Rocket Company and space engineering handbook standards. In addition, a 1/10th scale model of the assembly was constructed for exhibition in the lab and various thermal and structural tests were performed on site to aid in the development of the VASIMR engine. A guide to migrating thermal data for structural testing in Pro Engineer was developed as well.

  • This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
Creator
Contributors
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Identifier
  • E-project-031611-185433
Advisor
Year
  • 2011
Sponsor
Date created
  • 2011-03-16
Resource type
Major
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Last modified
  • 2023-09-19

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