The
µPET Propulsion System:
Propellantless
Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion for Microsatellites
TUI is currently developing a propulsion system called the "Microsatellite Propellantless Electrodynamic Tether (µPET™) Propulsion System" that will provide propulsive capabilities to microsatellites and other small spacecraft without consuming propellant.
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How
It Works:
Electrodynamic tethers can provide long-term propellantless propulsion capability
for orbital maneuvering and stationkeeping of small satellites in low-Earth-orbit.
The µPET™ Propulsion System is a small, low-power electrodynamic
tether system designed to provide long-duration boost, deboost, inclination
change, and stationkeeping propulsion for small satellites. Because the
system uses electrodynamic interactions with the Earth's magnetic field
to propel the spacecraft, it does not require consumption of propellant,
and thus can provide long-duration operation and large total delta-V capability
with low mass requirements. Furthermore, because the µPET™ system
does not require propellant, it can easily meet stringent safety requirements
such as are imposed upon Shuttle payloads. In addition, the tether system
can also serve as a gravity-gradient attitude control element, reducing
the ACS requirements of the spacecraft.
Characteristics:
The mass, size, and power
requirements of the µPET™ Propulsion System depends upon the
size of the satellite and the propulsive mission. TUI has developed a prototpye
of a µPET™ sized for a 125 kg microsatellite which could raise
the orbit of this satellite from a 350 km drop-off orbit to a 700 km operational
orbit within 50 days.