Coulomb Thrusting Application Study
Abstract
This report discusses the results of an 8-month inter-disciplinary research project between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Aerophysics Inc. The research task objectives are to study how Coulomb propulsion can be used to create reconfigurable distributed spacecraft formation concepts. Both formation maintenance and deployment charge and voltage levels are of interest, as well as the required reconfiguration times to change the formation size. A further task is to study the space plasma environment at low to high Earth orbit altitudes. Associated to this task is the study of the expected differential disturbance levels that Coulomb spacecraft will experience at a range of orbit altitudes. Using the results of the plasma environment study, expected spacecraft voltages are to be computed to compensate for conservative orbital perturbation estimates. Another objective is to study mechanisms to both measure the local plasma charge level, and control the spacecraft charge relative to this plasma charge level. The final task is to perform a comparison study of the Coulomb propulsion concept to other high-efficiency propulsion concepts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 20, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA443162
Entities
People
- Gordon G. Parker
- Hanspeter Schaub
- Lyon B. King
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency