No-Insulation HTS Magnet, Flux Pump and Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster Modelling for a Small Satellite

This presentation at the International Symposium on Superconductivity, Takina, Wellington, New Zealand, November 28-30, 2023, outlines the development, modeling, and thermal management solutions for a no-insulation high-temperature superconducting (HTS) applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster (AF-MPDT) designed for space applications on a small satellite platform. The study investigates the integration of an HTS magnet, flux pump, cryocooler, and a miniature plasma thruster on a 12U CubeSat, evaluating the feasibility of using HTS technology in space-constrained environments.

Through a finite element model (FEM), the thermal and electromagnetic dynamics of the system are explored, focusing on challenges like instantaneous heat loads from thruster operation and the need for efficient cooling. A space-rated cryocooler and flux pump are employed to manage thermal loads and provide stable current without traditional current leads, significantly reducing thermal leakage. The FEM simulations incorporate orbital environmental factors to assess cooling efficiency, battery charge cycles, and temperature fluctuations within a sun-synchronous orbit.

Results indicate that while the HTS coils can tolerate high transient heat loads, the cryocooler remains a bottleneck, struggling to dissipate heat quickly enough in such a compact platform. Although the system achieves stable operation, larger satellite platforms may be required for prolonged missions where faster heat dissipation is critical. These insights contribute to refining superconducting magnet and thruster designs for future in-space demonstrations, marking a significant step toward scalable, high-power propulsion systems using HTS technology.