One-Size-Fits-Most Space Propulsion
Abstract
The innovation is a one-size-fits-most space propulsion system: a propulsion system with a single shared propellant that feeds both a chemical catalytic combustion thruster and an electric electrospray thruster. An illustration of this system is shown in Figure 1. This system is one small propulsion package that can meet the needs of a wide range of mission scenarios. It is flexible and adaptable because of the shared propellant, and this enables unprecedented spacecraft adaptability, flexibility, and reconfigurability. A spacecraft with one-size-fits-most propulsion can be launched anytime, anywhere, with any mission objective. Fast emergency maneuvers, slow fuel-efficient maneuvers, and everything in between is possible, ready, and on-demand. An unprecedented wide design space and mission capability space is available. Hundreds of identical spacecraft could be launched together, and each could execute a drastically different mission, from fast orbit insertion communications to long duration reconnaissance imaging. And this plethora of space assets can be replaced timely and cost-effectively. Mission objectives and spacecraft requirements will change from concept to launch, or even post-launch, but one-size-fits-most propulsion easily adapts to meet those new objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2021
- Source ID
- HR00112110003
Entities
People
- Joshua L. Rovey
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- University of Illinois system