Constant Momentum Exchange Between Microspacecraft Using Liquid Droplet Thrusters
Abstract
Without a constant force acting, all formation flying satellites are in orbits that contain the center of the Earth. Their orbits cross twice every period, and the satellites tend to converge on each other unless a continuous separation force counteracts this convergence. The magnitude of the separation force required is proportional to the total mass of the two spacecraft and their separation distance. In low Earth orbit, thrust forces between 100 and 1000 mN are required for satellites pairs with masses between 100 and 1000kg separated by 1km. This work evaluates momentum exchange through fluid streams as a means of maintaining side-by-side spacing between a pair of formation flying satellites. Droplet streams of very low vapor pressure silicone oil are generated on each spacecraft and projected through space to a receiving satellite. The receiving satellite collects the droplet stream and pumps the fluid to the droplet generator where a return stream is produced and sent back to the originating satellite. Therefore, tandem satellites could be envisioned as using streams of small silicon oil droplets continuously exchanged between them to produce the force required to maintain constant separation. This work addresses many of the perturbations in Earth orbit that can keep the droplets from their intended path between satellites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA524444
Entities
People
- Andrew D. Ketsdever
- Thomas B. Joslyn
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory