Orbital Analysis of Macron Propulsion

Abstract

Recent advances in energy storage and solid-state switching enabled the use of peristaltic, pulsed inductive acceleration of non-ferritic particles for spacecraft propulsion. Macron Launched Propulsion (MLP) systems electromagnetically accelerate gramsized aluminum particles (i.e. macrons) to achieve exit velocities between 5 and 10km/s, achieving specific impulses between 600 and 1,000s. Research was conducted to analyze this system's potential effects on the orbital debris environment as well as to formulate possible implementations of this technology. Ultimately, the direction, velocity and altitude at which these macrons are fired determine the macron's trajectory and dictate the level of impact upon the orbital debris environment. Research supports the implementation of the technology as a multi-purpose orbital maneuvering system but cautions the use of this system in a manner that could result macrons entering into a stable Earth orbital trajectory.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 28, 2010
Accession Number
ADA527304

Entities

People

  • Andrew D. Ketsdever
  • David Kirtley
  • Jacob Schonig

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Military Research
  • Orbits
  • Particles
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Space Debris
  • Space Environments
  • Space Propulsion
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Specific Impulse
  • Thrust
  • Trajectories

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

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