A Revolutionary Leap in Space Travel: Dual-Purpose Propulsion System on the Horizon
Designing small satellites comes with its fair share of challenges, one of the most significant being the issue of fuel storage. However, an exciting new development in propulsion systems may offer a solution.
Instead of requiring two distinct types of fuel for chemical and electrical thrusters, a recent study proposes that a single propellant can power both systems. If things move forward as expected, this innovative concept will be put to the test in space shortly.
Combining the Best of Both Worlds
"Imagine having the capability of both chemical and electrical propulsion condensed into one compact package," said the leader of the study. "This would enable small satellites to conduct more extensive scientific research, observe more phenomena, and embark on more intriguing missions, all while utilizing a smaller, more cost-effective platform."
An Application of Existing Research
The study leverages the existing fuel research conducted by the U.S. Air Force and is partly financed by the nation's space agency. The space agency's Green Propulsion Dual Mode cubesat spacecraft is set to launch soon to verify if the propulsion system and monopropellant, which have been tested on the ground, also perform well in space.
The mission to low Earth orbit will serve as a crucial demonstration for missions that venture much further from our planet — to locations like Mars, the eventual target for human missions.
The space agency is eager to venture deeper into space to support its future objectives. The primary drivers for these activities include researching and developing new and advanced propulsion systems and capabilities.
The Green Monopropellant
The monopropellant used in the mission, tested in the new study, builds on previous research by the Air Force. The propellant, known as ASCENT, is less toxic and thus more environmentally friendly than the traditionally used high-efficiency hydrazine, which is excellent for significant maneuvers in space but hazardous to handle.
Interestingly, ASCENT was initially designed for chemical thrusters that consume fuel rapidly during substantial space maneuvers. However, it appears to be suitable for electrospray thrusters as well. These thrusters are intended to make smaller, long-term adjustments to a spacecraft's path. The petite thrusters use an electric field to accelerate particles of liquid propellant, which are then expelled into space as a spray.
One Fuel, Numerous Applications
The recent study suggests that a single fuel could meet various spacecraft requirements. Engineers conducted tests to see how effectively electrospray thrusters performed with ASCENT on the ground, using a model cubesat in a vacuum chamber to simulate the free-floating environment of space. The team experimented with different voltage levels on the thrusters and assessed the spray's maneuverability and spinning capability.
"When compared to our standard electrospray propellants, ASCENT can provide similar performance in terms of thrust," the study leader said. "Now that we know our thrusters work with ASCENT, we can begin to consider all the ways we can improve them."
Applications Beyond Deep Space
While the space agency's focus is on distant destinations, ASCENT could also be repurposed for missions closer to home. Small satellites, for instance, could use the propellant to save fuel during Earth-observing missions, particularly when they need to quickly adjust for a rapidly developing weather event.
"Imagine a storm is approaching, and you want to position your small satellite constellation over a specific location," a co-author of the study explained. "You could choose to send them quickly or slowly, depending on the nature of the observation. The only way to do this is if you have two propulsion systems, which is now possible."
Designing small satellites comes with its fair share of challenges, one of the most significant being the issue of fuel storage. However, an exciting new development in propulsion systems may offer a solution.
Instead of requiring two distinct types of fuel for chemical and electrical thrusters, a recent study proposes that a single propellant can power both systems. If things move forward as expected, this innovative concept will be put to the test in space shortly.
Combining the Best of Both Worlds
"Imagine having the capability of both chemical and electrical propulsion condensed into one compact package," said the leader of the study. "This would enable small satellites to conduct more extensive scientific research, observe more phenomena, and embark on more intriguing missions, all while utilizing a smaller, more cost-effective platform."
An Application of Existing Research
The study leverages the existing fuel research conducted by the U.S. Air Force and is partly financed by the nation's space agency. The space agency's Green Propulsion Dual Mode cubesat spacecraft is set to launch soon to verify if the propulsion system and monopropellant, which have been tested on the ground, also perform well in space.
The mission to low Earth orbit will serve as a crucial demonstration for missions that venture much further from our planet — to locations like Mars, the eventual target for human missions.
The space agency is eager to venture deeper into space to support its future objectives. The primary drivers for these activities include researching and developing new and advanced propulsion systems and capabilities.
The Green Monopropellant
The monopropellant used in the mission, tested in the new study, builds on previous research by the Air Force. The propellant, known as ASCENT, is less toxic and thus more environmentally friendly than the traditionally used high-efficiency hydrazine, which is excellent for significant maneuvers in space but hazardous to handle.
Interestingly, ASCENT was initially designed for chemical thrusters that consume fuel rapidly during substantial space maneuvers. However, it appears to be suitable for electrospray thrusters as well. These thrusters are intended to make smaller, long-term adjustments to a spacecraft's path. The petite thrusters use an electric field to accelerate particles of liquid propellant, which are then expelled into space as a spray.
One Fuel, Numerous Applications
The recent study suggests that a single fuel could meet various spacecraft requirements. Engineers conducted tests to see how effectively electrospray thrusters performed with ASCENT on the ground, using a model cubesat in a vacuum chamber to simulate the free-floating environment of space. The team experimented with different voltage levels on the thrusters and assessed the spray's maneuverability and spinning capability.
"When compared to our standard electrospray propellants, ASCENT can provide similar performance in terms of thrust," the study leader said. "Now that we know our thrusters work with ASCENT, we can begin to consider all the ways we can improve them."
Applications Beyond Deep Space
While the space agency's focus is on distant destinations, ASCENT could also be repurposed for missions closer to home. Small satellites, for instance, could use the propellant to save fuel during Earth-observing missions, particularly when they need to quickly adjust for a rapidly developing weather event.
"Imagine a storm is approaching, and you want to position your small satellite constellation over a specific location," a co-author of the study explained. "You could choose to send them quickly or slowly, depending on the nature of the observation. The only way to do this is if you have two propulsion systems, which is now possible."
