Abstract
Propulsion requirements for maintaining the attitude and location of a communication satellite with a two-year operational life in a synchronous equatorial orbit are examined. In the case of a 1000-lb satellite, with prescribed angular limits in attitude (±3°) and longitude (±10°), the required total impulse is estimated to be 2500 Ib-sec. The need for numerous low-thrust pulses of short duration makes conventional chemical propulsion impractical. Valve and pressure regulator problems and storage tank weight make the use of compressed gas propellants unattractive. Electrical propulsion with ion engines appears to provide a system with minimum over-all weight (60 Ib) capable of accomplishing the task. However, on the basis of functional simplicity and probable reliability, it is concluded that a low-pressure vapor jet system employing a volatile liquid or a subliming solid is most likely to deliver the desired performance.
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