N0018925Q0225 Thermal Vacuum Chamber   2

Background
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is enhancing its plasma research and education program through the procurement of a thermal-vacuum chamber system. This initiative is part of the Space Systems and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL) and the Naval Academy Small Satellite Program (NASSP), which focuses on space electric propulsion research.

The thermal-vacuum chamber will serve as a critical resource for characterizing, testing, and qualifying small satellites and miniature electric propulsion thrusters, while also providing hands-on educational opportunities for students involved in CubeSat-scale research projects.

Work Details
The contract involves the delivery of a thermal-vacuum chamber system that includes:
- One cylindrical vacuum chamber with dimensions:
- Outer diameter: 50 to 60 inches
- Inner diameter: 50 to 54 inches
- Outer length: 96 to 108 inches
- Inner length: 96 to 108 inches
- One cold plate
- One turbomolecular pump system
- One cryopump system
- Three gate valves.

The vacuum chamber must be capable of handling various process gases typical of electric propulsion systems, including noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon), atmospheric gases (nitrogen, oxygen, air), and alternative propellants (water vapor, methanol, ethanol, sulfur, adamantane). Mass flow rates are expected to be at most 3 mg/s for noble gases and less than 0.5 mg/s for alternative propellants. The installation site must have electrical outlets (480V, 208V, and 120V), compressed air, and chilled water (<55°F).