Accession Number:

ADA516394

Title:

Charging Effects on Fluid Stream Droplets for Momentum Exchange Between Spacecraft

Descriptive Note:

Doctoral thesis

Corporate Author:

COLORADO UNIV AT COLORADO SPRINGS DEPT OF MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Joslyn, Thomas B.

Report Date:

2009-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

196.0

Abstract:

This dissertation presents the results of research on a novel satellite propulsion concept that relies on the constant transfer of momentum through projection of silicon oil droplet streams through space. The system is primarily applicable to satellites flying side-by-side in formation that require a constant distance between them in order to conduct certain missions such as interferometric synthetic aperture radar observations. Rational for selection of the silicone oil DC705 as the best working fluid is presented. Droplet size, velocity, and spacing needed for station keeping of various satellite mass and separation distance combinations is evaluated. Droplet streams of diameters demonstrated in this study and speeds demonstrated in past research can satisfy propulsion needs of reasonably sized satellites in any earth orbit with at least a kilometer of separation. A continuous droplet stream system requires an order of magnitude less mass than comparable electric propulsion systems and two orders of magnitude less power. The focus of this study is droplet charging in space due to various mechanisms associated with ambient plasma and photoemissions.

Descriptors:

• *MOMENTUM TRANSFER
• *ELECTRIC POWER
• *ELECTRIC PROPULSION
• *SPACECRAFT CHARGING
• PROPULSION SYSTEMS
• INTERFEROMETRY
• SILICON
• ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
• EXCHANGE
• FLUID FLOW
• SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR
• THESES
• PLASMAS(PHYSICS)
• EMISSION
• EARTH ORBITS

Subject Categories:

• Astronautics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE