Vectoring of Plasma Thrusters for CubeSats

Abstract

The main project research goals have been realised, most notably with successful 3-axis vectoring of a plasma plume using a solid state steering system consisting of concentric magnetic coils, and the creation of a tool for generating low continuous-thrust trajectories. Models have also been developed for optimal orbital trajectories within existing guidance, navigation, and weak stability boundary transfer. The outcomes demonstrate how a small spacecraft using low-thrust electric propulsion can be transferred from low Earth orbit to lunar orbit, or (via gravity assists) into interplanetary trajectories. The addition of vectoring the thrust can allow a spacecraft to maintain a fixed orientation during a maneuver. This project was led by the team at the University of Auckland (New Zealand), in collaboration with partners at L3 Harris (USA) and the Australian National University (Australia).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 12, 2023
Accession Number
AD1194239

Entities

People

  • John Cater

Organizations

  • University of Auckland

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Electrons
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Hall Thrusters
  • Interplanetary Trajectories
  • Maneuvers
  • Measurement
  • Optimization
  • Plasma Diagnostics
  • Plasmonic Devices
  • Radio Frequency
  • Radio Frequency Devices
  • Rocket Propulsion
  • Space Flight
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Trajectories
  • Thrusters
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers