Abstract
This paper presents the development, construction and testing of a new type of solar–thermal propulsion system which can be used for low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Currently, the vast majority of LEO satellites are fitted with a cold gas propulsion system. Although such a propulsion system is preferred, the service duration of an LEO satellite is limited by the amount of cold gas they carry onboard. In the case of the new type of solar–thermal propulsion system proposed in this paper, the cold gas is first transferred from the main tank in a cylindrical service tank/buffer tank which is placed in the focal line of a concave mirror. After the gas is heated by the solar light focused on the service tank by the concave mirror, it expands by opening the appropriate solenoid valve for the satellite’s attitude control. In this way the service duration of LEO satellite on orbit can increase by 2.5 times compared with a classic cold gas propulsion system. This is due to the propellant’s internal energy increase by the focused solar light. This paper also presents the results achieved by carrying out tests for the hot gas propulsion system in a controlled environment.
Highlights
Since the first satellite, Sputnik, was launched in 1957, more than 5560 successful launched operations occurred, which means about 9600 satellites in their orbits around the Earth’s.The European Space Agency (ESA)’s Space Debris Office estimated that about 5500 of these satellites were in space until February 2020, while 2300 were still functioning [1], most of which are low earth orbit (LEO) satellites
The first stage in the test campaign comprised performing the tests without the energy source concentrated by the mirror cold testing in which the system was a cold gas propulsion system
Due to the fact that the measurements were done in atmosphere, the maximum real temperature of the service tank which was achieved was 125 ◦ C, the maximum allowed for the operation of the solenoid valve
Summary
The European Space Agency (ESA)’s Space Debris Office estimated that about 5500 of these satellites were in space until February 2020, while 2300 were still functioning [1], most of which are low earth orbit (LEO) satellites These satellites operate fairly close to the surface of the Earth, between 500 and 2000 km. A satellite’s operational life is measured taking into account the quantity of propellant taken onboard and utilized for the orbit-position correction system, attitude control and specific maneuvers on the orbit. The efficiency of these correction systems depends on the propulsion system type. The most common types are cold gas propulsion systems, chemical propulsion, electric propulsion, propellantless propulsion systems—solar sails and solar thermal propulsion, etc
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
