TEPCE: A Tethered Electrodynamic Propulsion CubeSat Experiment
Abstract
TEPCE was a 3U Cubesat that was developed to explore the feasibility of using electrodynamic propulsion for spacecraft. Propulsion is generated by conducting an electric current along a long wire, called a tether, that connects two spacecraft end-masses. As the spacecraft moves along its orbital path the Earth's magnetic field induces a Lorentz force between the magnetic field and the electrons in the tether which results in thrust for the spacecraft. It requires no chemical or other traditional fuel source. TEPCE was one of the first self contained electrodynamic propulsion spacecraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1161973
Entities
People
- C L Enloe
- Cameron Crippa
- Gil Dutchover
- Ivan Galysh
- Joe Carroll
- Matthew D. Brunner
- Scott Kindl
- Shannon Coffey
- Zachery Sibert
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory