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Electric Propulsion and Power Laboratory

The Electric Propulsion and Power Laboratory (EPPL) supports research and development of spacecraft power and electric propulsion systems. The staff of EPPL have been supporting electric propulsion and power system testing for over 40 years.

Facility Overview

Ion Engine Test
Post Ion Engine Test Documentation of Tank 5 Interior.

The Electric Propulsion and Power Laboratory (EPPL), formerly known as the Electric Propulsion Laboratory (EPL), supports research and development of spacecraft power and electric propulsion systems.

EPPL features two very large space environment simulation chambers; intermediate and smaller environment simulation chambers suitable for testing small engines or components; bell jars used for development and small-scale component testing; and support areas including an electronics shop, machine shop, clean room, and office space.

The space simulation chambers have been enhanced to support the unique requirements of electric propulsion and power system testing. VF-5 cryopumps 3.5 million liters of air per second with its 33.5 sq meter of 6 K helium cryopanels. Several of the chambers have multiple air-locked access ports. These ports allow several tests to be conducted simultaneously in each chamber without cycling the chamber back to atmospheric pressure during introduction or removal of test hardware. Conditioned DC power is supplied to VF-5, VF-6 and VF-12 for powering ion, hall and MPD thrusters.

Fission Surface Power Technology.
Fission Surface Power Technology Demonstration Unit.

The staff of EPPL have been supporting electric propulsion and power system testing for over 40 years and have developed technology leading techniques with precision thrust balances, thruster erosion diagnostics, plume characterization, and EMI/EMC.

Quick Facts

The Electric Propulsion and Power Laboratory (EPPL) supports research and development of spacecraft power and electric propulsion systems. EPPL features two very large space environment chambers; intermediate and smaller environment simulation chambers for testing small engines or components; bell jars used for small-scale development and component testing; and support areas.

Name Electric Propulsion and Power Laboratory
Vacuum Facilities
  • VF-5 and VF-6: Very high pumping speed for electric propulsion testing
  • Six intermediate chambers (VF-8, VF-12, VF-13, VF-17, VF-56, & VF-67)
Laboratory and Build-up area 50,000 square feet

Capabilities

General EPPL Capabilities

Vacuum Facility 5 (VF-5)

Vacuum Facility 6 (VF-6)

Vacuum Facility 8 (VF-8)

Vacuum Facility 12 (VF-12)

Vacuum Facility 13 (VF-13)

Vacuum Facility 17 (VF-17)

Vacuum Facility 56 (VF-56)

Vacuum Facility 67 (VF-67)

Contact

Electric Propulsion and Power Laboratory
Facility Manager: Ernest Williams
216-433-3554
ernest.t.williamsii@nasa.gov

Test Facility Management Branch
Branch Chief: Michael S. McVetta
216-433-2832
michael.s.mcvetta@nasa.gov

Using Our Facilities

NASA’s Glenn Research Center provides ground test facilities to industry, government, and academia. If you are considering testing in one of our facilities or would like further information about a specific facility or capability, please let us know.

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