First Bipropellant Propulsion System for Spacecraft in Korea

In the framework of COMS(Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite) programme, the first bipropellant propulsion system for GEO satellite has been developed successfully. So far Korea has its own experience of development of a monopropellant propulsion system for LEO satellites, i.e., KOMPSAT's. Other types of propulsion systems for a satellite, such as cold gas and electric propulsion etc., are being developed somewhere in Korea, however they are not commercialised yet, apart from those two systems aforementioned. This paper mainly focused on the design of the Chemical Propulsion System(CPS) for the COMS, joint scientific and communications satellite. It includes descriptions of the general system design and a summary of the supporting analysis performed to verify suitability for space flight. Essentially it provides an overview and guide to the various engineering rationale generated in support of the COMS CPS design activities. The manufacture and subsequent testing of COMS CPS are briefly discussed. Feasibility of COMS CPS to an interplanetary mission is proposed as well.