Satellite Orbit Maintenance Mission
Five Year Mission Model
Engineering Principles Studied:
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Software Utilized:
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Tools Utilized:
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Main Objective:
Analyze, assess, and select an appropriate propulsion system for a five year satellite maintenance mission maintaining a 300 kilometer altitude circular orbit. Create a model that will predict the propellant mass required for chemical and electrical type propulsion systems.
Analyze, assess, and select an appropriate propulsion system for a five year satellite maintenance mission maintaining a 300 kilometer altitude circular orbit. Create a model that will predict the propellant mass required for chemical and electrical type propulsion systems.
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Background:
Satellite maintenance missions are missions of total impulse that are to be held in orbit for extended periods. These constant thrust missions require a propulsion system of low thrust and high specific impulse in order to minimize the mass of propellant required to counteract the perturbing forces. Atmospheric drag is the dominant perturbing force that works to degrade the orbit of the satellite in low earth orbit, though other forces do exist such as those due to third body (moon, sun), non spherical earth, and solar radiation. This project assesses the affect of these forces on the satellite and determines the most appropriate propulsion system for the given mission constraints and requirements. |
Results:
- Perform the basic preliminary calculations to determine the scope of the mission.
- Compare the perturbation forces qualitatively to determine which if any may be neglected. It was determined that all perturbation forces may be neglected except for those due to atmospheric drag.
- Determine the propellant mass requirements for chemical and electrical rockets with typical performance characteristics.
- Compare the pros and cons of each propulsion type.
- Determine that the Ablation-Fed Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) is the most well suited propulsion system for this mission.
References:
1. W. de Groot, "Propulsion Options for Primary Thrust and Attitude Control of Microspacecraft", Contract NAS3-27186, no. 1998-206608, p. 6, 1998.
1. W. de Groot, "Propulsion Options for Primary Thrust and Attitude Control of Microspacecraft", Contract NAS3-27186, no. 1998-206608, p. 6, 1998.