Extended Duration Testing with Improved Design
Extended duration ground testing with the improved thruster design delivered results. A 12-second burn was achieved with stable chamber pressure and consistent thrust output—significantly better than previous tests and incorporating all the improvements from earlier work and failure analysis.
Test Configuration and Setup
The test article used the improved thruster design with the reinforced catalyst bed support. The propellant tank was larger than in previous tests, and the total test mass was about 20 kilograms. The test was conducted on the ground test stand with full instrumentation and safety systems in place.
Test Results and Performance
The thruster ignited cleanly and produced steady thrust from ignition to shutdown. The burn time was 12 seconds, longer than previous tests. Chamber pressure remained steady throughout the burn, and thrust output was consistent. No anomalies were observed. The improved catalyst bed support performed flawlessly—no vibration or instability. Data recorded at 1 kHz sampling rate showed excellent thruster performance.
Chamber pressure was steady throughout the burn, thrust was consistent, and all parameters remained within expected ranges. The test dynamics were smooth and stable.
Program Progress and Path Forward
This success demonstrates that the design improvements are effective. The reinforced catalyst bed support provides the structural integrity needed for extended burns. The performance is improving with each iteration. Future testing will continue to push the performance envelope—longer burn times, higher chamber pressures, and new catalyst formulations. Each test provides more data to refine the design further. The program is building a solid foundation for a reliable propulsion system.