Space Propulsion Research Vacuum Facility of the Bogazici University Space Technologies Laboratory

Abstract

Development of reliable, successful and robust technologies for space systems demands realistic testing facilities. Low pressure levels are required for simulating the space vacuum conditions in earth's orbit or interplanetary-space. Therefore, establishment of a vacuum facility devoted specifically to the testing of thrusters is needed in order to develop, study and test thrusters to be deployed on spacecraft or satellites. In this study, the design, acquisition and manufacturing processes, and capabilities of a 1.5 m diameter and 2.7 m long cylindrical vacuum facility, that will primarily be used for the development and testing of electric spacecraft thrusters, at the Bogazici University Space Technologies Laboratory (BUSTLab) are presented.