Additive Manufacture of Propulsion Systems in Low Earth Orbit

Abstract

Lifting mass to orbit is one of the most challenging concepts of space travel. This paper proposes a concept of a Hub at the low earth orbit (LEO) that additively manufactures (AM) or more colloquially 3-D prints components of the boost and satellite systems in order to reduce weight to orbit. A Hub at LEO with three components modules will accomplish this, and estimates put the cost for this effort around that of one government satellite launch. This concept proposes a receive/assemble/deploy module to capture a satellite as it boosts from Earth then attaches AM parts to the satellite for redeployment, a print module to print RL-10 like boost phase engines and multi-mode propulsion systems, and a storage facility for materials and propellants. This Hub will enable making parts by AM parts in space, leading to the printing of more complex systems in the future, which will promote the development of space exploration into the future.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2018
Accession Number
AD1055013

Entities

People

  • Kristen C. Castonguay

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Assembly
  • Contracts
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Engines
  • Governments
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Models
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Prototypes
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rocket Propulsion
  • Rockets
  • Space Stations
  • Space Transportation
  • Standards
  • Three Dimensional
  • United States

Readers

  • Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Software Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites