The Electric Propulsion Research Building (EPRB) supports research and development of spacecraft power, electric propulsion, and space environmental effects. Presently, EPRB is supporting research focused on ion thrusters, pulsed plasma thrusters, stirling engine converters, regenerative fuel cells, space plasma potentials, and atomic oxygen.
The cornerstone to EPRB’s research capabilities results from its suite of space simulation chambers. EPRB chambers range in size from bench top bell jars to 3-meters in diameter and are equipped with various pumping systems (cryopumps, diffusion pumps, oil-free pumping trains, and high-throughput roots-blowers) depending upon the specific requirements of a test program. In addition, EPRB has over 20,000 square feet of specialty labs, build-up area and machine shop area. EPRB works synergistically with other larger vacuum facilities located at GRC.
Research that is initiated in EPRB on a concept or component level leads to a system or higher fidelity tests in facilities such as VF-5 (very high pumping speed), VF-6 (unique in its electric propulsion features), or SPF (world’s largest vacuum chamber). This insures that these world-class facilities are effectively utilized and that research is done in the most cost-effective manner possible.
EPRB has eight vacuum chambers and five bell jars that provide the required simulated space to conduct fundamental research in space power and electric propulsion. These vacuum facilities are further enhanced to insure GRC continues to provide the technology development necessary for NASA to explore the solar system.
