scholarly journals Future Deep Space Propulsion Systems

1990 ◽  
Vol 123 ◽  
pp. 355-362
Author(s):  
Ernst Stuhlinger
Keyword(s):  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Power Source ◽  
Brayton Cycle ◽  
Deep Space ◽  
Space Propulsion ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Particle Bed ◽  
Mission Profile

AbstractAmong several potential future deep space propulsion systems, the two which are closest to realization are selected for closer consideration: solar-electric, and nuclear-electric propulsion. In particular, the paper describes a manned Mars mission using a particle bed reactor and Brayton cycle converter as power source. Technical details of the design and the mission profile of a 4-astronaut expedition to Mars, and a proposed course of action for project implementation are presented.

scholarly journals Electric Propulsion Methods for Small Satellites: A Review

Aerospace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Dillon O’Reilly ◽  
Georg Herdrich ◽  
Darren F. Kavanagh
Keyword(s):  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Propulsion ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Small Satellites ◽  
Art Research ◽  
Current Knowledge Base ◽  
Interplanetary Missions

Over 2500 active satellites are in orbit as of October 2020, with an increase of ~1000 smallsats in the past two years. Since 2012, over 1700 smallsats have been launched into orbit. It is projected that by 2025, there will be 1000 smallsats launched per year. Currently, these satellites do not have sufficient delta v capabilities for missions beyond Earth orbit. They are confined to their pre-selected orbit and in most cases, they cannot avoid collisions. Propulsion systems on smallsats provide orbital manoeuvring, station keeping, collision avoidance and safer de-orbit strategies. In return, this enables longer duration, higher functionality missions beyond Earth orbit. This article has reviewed electrostatic, electrothermal and electromagnetic propulsion methods based on state of the art research and the current knowledge base. Performance metrics by which these space propulsion systems can be evaluated are presented. The article outlines some of the existing limitations and shortcomings of current electric propulsion thruster systems and technologies. Moreover, the discussion contributes to the discourse by identifying potential research avenues to improve and advance electric propulsion systems for smallsats. The article has placed emphasis on space propulsion systems that are electric and enable interplanetary missions, while alternative approaches to propulsion have also received attention in the text, including light sails and nuclear electric propulsion amongst others.

scholarly journals A Review of Low-Power Electric Propulsion Research at the Space Propulsion Centre Singapore

Aerospace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
George-Cristian Potrivitu ◽  
Yufei Sun ◽  
Muhammad Wisnuh Aggriawan bin Rohaizat ◽  
Oleksii Cherkun ◽  
Luxiang Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Power ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Form Factors ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Small Satellite ◽  
Space Propulsion ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Small Satellites ◽  
Plasma Thruster

The age of space electric propulsion arrived and found the space exploration endeavors at a paradigm shift in the context of new space. Mega-constellations of small satellites on low-Earth orbit (LEO) are proposed by many emerging commercial actors. Naturally, the boom in the small satellite market drives the necessity of propulsion systems that are both power and fuel efficient and accommodate small form-factors. Most of the existing electric propulsion technologies have reached the maturity level and can be the prime choices to enable mission versatility for small satellite platforms in Earth orbit and beyond. At the Plasma Sources and Applications Centre/Space Propulsion Centre (PSAC/SPC) Singapore, a continuous effort was dedicated to the development of low-power electric propulsion systems that can meet the small satellites market requirements. This review presents the recent progress in the field of electric propulsion at PSAC/SPC Singapore, from Hall thrusters and thermionic cathodes research to more ambitious devices such as the rotamak-like plasma thruster. On top of that, a review of the existing vacuum facilities and plasma diagnostics used for electric propulsion testing and characterization is included in the present research.

Performance Analysis of Ground-Based Static Test for Hydrogen Fuelcell Propulsion System

2013 ◽  
Vol 393 ◽  
pp. 510-515
Author(s):  
Norhisyam Jenal ◽  
Wahyu Kuntjoro ◽  
Thomas Arthur Ward ◽  
Khairul Imran Sainan ◽  
Firdaus Mohamad
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Power Source ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Static Test ◽  
Electric Propulsion System ◽  
Aircraft Application

Combustion engines are increasingly being regarded as unsustainable in the long-term, because of their negative impact on the environment (e.g. pollution, green-house gas production, and global warming). This has generated worldwide interest in propulsion systems based on renewable alternative energy sources for the future. Fuel cell technology is a promising alternative power source because of their high specific energy, efficiency, and reliability. Hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in particular produces zero carbon emissions by having only water vapor as the exhaust. Although there has been much research by automotive industries in developing fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEV), fuel cell research for aircraft application is relatively new. Therefore, there is a pressing need for research related to development of aircraft fuel cell electric propulsion systems. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is conducting static experiments on different configurations of fuel cell electric propulsion systems. The objective of this study is to understand the behavior of a PEMFC propulsion system under a ground-based static test. A 1 kW PEMFC was used as the main power source for a brushless DC motor electric propulsion system. The electrical characteristics, rotational speed, and thrust data were presented for two different electrical propellers. Analyses of the results were used to characterize the effectiveness of the fuel cell system and its balance of plant. The results were beneficial as a predictive method on defining the optimum electric propulsion system performance needed for future actual flight development.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis and Optimization of Technical and Weight Parameters of Turbo-Electric Propulsion Systems

Aerospace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mykhaylo Filipenko ◽  
Stefan Biser ◽  
Martin Boll ◽  
Matthias Corduan ◽  
Mathias Noe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Aviation Industry ◽  
Total Efficiency ◽  
Efficiency Gain ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Electric Propulsion System ◽  
Reduce Emissions ◽  
Passenger Aircraft ◽  
Mission Profile

According to Flightpath 2050, the aviation industry is aiming to substantially reduce emissions over the coming decades. One possible solution to meet these ambitious goals is by moving to hybrid-electric drivetrain architectures which require the electric components to be extremely lightweight and efficient at the same time. It has been claimed in several publications that cryogenic and in particular superconducting components can help to fulfill such requirements that potentially cannot be achieved with non-cryogenic components. The purpose of this work was to make a fair comparison between a cryogenic turbo-electric propulsion system (CEPS) and a non-cryogenic turbo-electric propulsion system (TEPS) on a quantitative level. The results on the CEPS were presented in detail in a previous publication. The focus of this publication is to present the study on the TEPS, which in conclusion allows a direct comparison. For both systems the same top-level aircraft requirements were used that were derived within the project TELOS based on an exemplary mission profile and the physical measures of a 220-passenger aircraft. Our study concludes that a CEPS could be 10% to 40% lighter than a TEPS. Furthermore, a CEPS could have a total efficiency gain of up to 18% compared to a similar TEPS.

Energy Management of a Hybrid-Electric Aeronautical Propulsion System to Be Used in a Stationary Test Bench

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel A. Rendon ◽  
Konstantinos Kyprianidis ◽  
Yipsy Roque Benito ◽  
Daniel de A. Fernandes ◽  
Ariele T. Ferraz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Energy Management ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Test Bench ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Hybrid Electric ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mission Profile

Abstract Environmental requirements have led the air transportation industry to work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mechanical noise levels. Nowadays, this sector contributes with 2% of the total greenhouse gas emissions, and there is a demand from global aviation regulators for further reducing this percentage. In the last years, the development of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems (HEPSs) has grown. The HEPS combines an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), for example, Gas Turbine (GT) or reciprocating engine, with an Electric Motor (EM), combining the inherent advantages of both. HEPSs present increased efficiency and operating safety in comparison with conventional ICE-powered systems. Furthermore, they can supply the electrical devices with power. This area of study is multidisciplinary in nature and, therefore, poses research challenges on ICEs, EMs, electronic converters, propeller design, monitoring and control systems, management and supervision systems, energy efficiency and optimization, aerodynamics and aircraft mechanical design. A research project aimed at the characterisation of hybrid-electric aircraft propulsion systems, and the construction of a HEPS prototype, is underway in Brazil. The system is essentially composed of a GT, an EM, three electronic converters, a battery bank and a propeller. It can operate with three different topologies: series, full-electric and turbo-electric. A test bench with all the necessary peripheral and analysis infrastructure is under construction. Present work aims to: (i) develop simplified models for all the test bench components, (ii) given a mission profile, show the results of an initial energy management computing code that determines the optimal hybridization strategy, and (iii) simulate various operating alternatives for the chosen mission profile. The results (i) highlight the impact of critical characteristics of the batteries on the HEPS performance, and (ii) demonstrate the application of the management code on optimizing the aircraft energy consumption for a given mission profile.

scholarly journals A Comprehensive Review of Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Peng Zheng ◽  
Jianjun Wu ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Biqi Wu
Keyword(s):  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Propulsion ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
The Past ◽  
Atmospheric Molecules ◽  
The Future

To develop the satellites for a low-Earth-orbit environment, atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) systems have become more attractive to researchers in the past decade. The system can use atmospheric molecules as the propellant to provide thrust compensation, which can extend the lifetime of spacecraft (S/C). This comprehensive review reviews the efforts of previous researchers to develop concepts for ABEP systems. Different kinds of space propulsion system are analysed to determine the suitable propulsion for atmosphere-breathing S/C. Further discussion about ABEP systems shows the characteristic of different thrusters. The main performance of the ABEP system of previous studies is summarized, which provides further research avenues in the future. Results show great potential for thrust compensation from atmospheric molecules. However, the current studies show various limitations and are difficult to apply to space. The development of ABEP needs to solve some problems, such as the intake efficiency, ionization power, and electrode corrosion.

TRADEOFF ANALYSIS OF HIGH-POWER ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS BASED ON DOMESTIC ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINES AND POTENTIAL FOR THEIR USE IN ORBIT-TO-ORBIT TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION

2019 ◽  
pp. 45-55
Author(s):  
Yu.G. GUSEV ◽  
A.V. PILNIKOV ◽  
S.E. SUVOROV
Keyword(s):  
High Power ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Storage System ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Vacuum System ◽  
Deep Space ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Orbit Transfer ◽  
Rocket Propulsion ◽  
Component Development

The paper discusses design solutions for increased-power and high-power electric rocket propulsion systems to be used in orbit-to-orbit transfer vehicles and advanced spacecraft. It reviews characteristics of their components from the standpoint of the mission to reboost the spacecraft to their target orbits, to perform the operations of transportation to the lunar orbit and to explore deep space. It discusses key criteria and procedures for selection of components, as well as problem areas in their development and ground developmental testing. The paper analyses pros and cons of using various versions of propulsion systems based on medium- and high-power electrical propulsion engines, the current status of their component development, as well as the technical feasibility of conducting developmental tests on the ground. Key words: electric propulsion engine, propulsion system, propulsion module, propellant storage system, power supply and control system, vacuum chamber, vacuum system.

Rendez vous with Saturn's rings

1984 ◽  
Vol 75 ◽  
pp. 743-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry T. Nock
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Power Source ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Low Thrust ◽  
Ring Plane ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Total Impulse ◽  
Saturn's Rings

ABSTRACTA mission to rendezvous with the rings of Saturn is studied with regard to science rationale and instrumentation and engineering feasibility and design. Future detailedin situexploration of the rings of Saturn will require spacecraft systems with enormous propulsive capability. NASA is currently studying the critical technologies for just such a system, called Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). Electric propulsion is the only technology which can effectively provide the required total impulse for this demanding mission. Furthermore, the power source must be nuclear because the solar energy reaching Saturn is only 1% of that at the Earth. An important aspect of this mission is the ability of the low thrust propulsion system to continuously boost the spacecraft above the ring plane as it spirals in toward Saturn, thus enabling scientific measurements of ring particles from only a few kilometers.

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