Nature
Subsystem



Product description
The Xenon Loading Cart (XLC) is used for filling electrical propulsion system storage tanks in which loading accuracy and low-ppb level of impurities allowed in the loaded xenon are of the utmost importance.

Abbreviated functional explanation
Basically, an XLC consists of a mass balance unit, a pressurization unit and a loading unit. Because of the unorthodox behaviour of xenon occurring during the loading of xenon into e.g. the GOCE spacecraft, a high-accuracy mass flow controller has been developed and installed in the loading unit, which allows a fully controlled and fully automated loading of the spacecraft propellant tank. The flow control is adjustable to a fixed value, allowing the operator to analyze, predict, and avoid any thermal issues in advance, precluding loading aborts.

Missions
Loading of xenon in electrical propulsion systems and pressurization of propulsion systems for proof pressure and leakage test, require special loading equipment. Currently, an XLC for the SGEO platform for the Swedish Space Corporation is being developed.

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