Advanced_Micro_Pulsed_Plasma_Thruster_Requirements_26_Oct_15.docx

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

FOR AN

ADVANCED MICRO PULSED PLASMA THRUSTER

26 October 2015

GENERAL

This specification is for a complete, computer-controlled Advanced Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster for a firm fixed price contract designed to provide space propulsion to meet emerging Air Force space applications. The Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster system shall be designed and built to meet the following min requirements:

Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster shall have a cylindrical racetrack configuration, with the following integrated subsystems:

A. Shall use PTFE (Teflon) as the main propellant B. Shall include compact high voltage switching circuit allowing for multiplexing of thrusters from shared high voltage power supply or power processing unit C. Shall have an average specific impulse of 650 seconds D. Shall have a demonstrated impulse bits of 24 micro-Newton-seconds E. Shall have power utilization of 1.5 W F. Shall have a mass of 500 grams G. Shall not exceed 500 cubic centimeters in volume H. Shall have demonstrated at least 6 million successful firings I. Shall fit and be compatible with the Colony II bus format J. Shall have validated power and command board architecture with the appropriate firing sequence from previous testing K. Shall include graphical interface software compatible with existing government owned software L. Shall be delivered 9 months after contract award M. Shall be compatible with government owned control software N. Shall include instructions manual O. Shall include data package from acceptance testing with customer present

The materials and component parts shall be of high commercial quality, consistent with the performance requirements of space propulsion design and manufacture. Workmanship shall be consistent with best commercial practices.

DESIGN APPROVAL

Contractor shall supply electronic drawing/specification package of general system design and a detailed list of items and functions at the customer design review at the customer’s facility within 90 days after contract award, to ensure deliverables will meet compatibility requirements. The Manufactures Acceptance Test will also be defined at the design approval. The customer shall review the DWG package and detailed list of items and functions and provide feedback, including feedback on potential vacuum chamber interface issues or other installation issues.

TESTING AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall perform a Manufacturer’s Acceptance Test at the contractor’s facility before delivery. The contractor shall provide operations and installation training at the customer’s facility within 60 days after delivery or at the convenience of the customer. Contractor shall demonstrate that all components are properly integrated/mated and function correctly. Contractor shall label all components, as necessary, to coincide with documentation and graphical interface. Labeling shall include both part and serial numbers for all configured items, and shall be consistent with industry best practices for compatibility with the vacuum and electromagnetic environment associated with the thruster.

Training shall consist of familiarizing the owner with the machine (review of the Operators Manual). Contractor shall provide a simple 1-page, easy-to-follow checklist sealed in plastic and attached to the front of the unit. Contractor shall teach the sequence of operation, machine safety considerations, machine-alarming system, operator interface system, conditions monitored, conditions controlled, equipment adjustments, changeover, replacement and repairs of various parts. Training shall also include review of setup, preventive maintenance tasks, and exploration of equipment repair areas. Training shall also cover all hardware and software to include controls.

SAFETY

Safety systems shall be included to prevent damage to equipment and personnel. Safety system shall protect equipment in the event of power loss. Warning labels on the equipment and documentation shall be included.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The contractor shall deliver a complete system no later than 9 months after contract approval.

DELIVERY

The company shall properly ship the system to the Air Force Institute of Technology at WPAFB, OH. All shipping costs to include insurance will be included in contractor’s proposal. Great care using standard, approved packaging methods shall be taken.

WARRANTY

Free from defects in material and workmanship, under normal and proper use in accordance with our instructions in the maintenance manual, for the period of time of one year after receipt.

PAYMENTS

100% payment after delivery.