A new satellite system sucks in air to provide unlimited propulsion (2024)

FAQs

What do satellites use for propulsion? ›

Traditionally, chemical propulsion systems using monopropellant (single fluid) or bipropellant (two fluid) liquid thrusters have been employed for these applications. However, the growth in spacecraft power has led to the use of higher energy electric propulsion (EP) systems for many modern missions.

The propulsion subsystem is a fully integrated propulsion subsystem composed mainly of one propellant tank and four hydrazine thrusters integrated under the propellant tank. The proposed design is a compact design with only three attachment points with the satellite structure.

Current satellites have a lifespan limited by their power sources, propulsion systems and the propellant used to generate the plasma. Once the thrusters run out of the propellant, the satellite can no longer stay in orbit and needs to be replaced.

The satellite needs to be able to handle extreme hot and cold temperatures. The satellite needs to be able to handle the high radiation levels outside Earth's atmosphere. The satellite needs to be able to withstand or avoid space debris, which might otherwise damage or destroy it.

Several methods of pragmatic spacecraft propulsion have been developed, each having its own drawbacks and advantages. Most satellites have simple reliable chemical thrusters (often monopropellant rockets) or resistojet rockets for orbital station-keeping, while a few use momentum wheels for attitude control.

Solar Propulsion

A solar sail-propelled spacecraft could reach distant planets and star systems much more quickly than a rocket-propelled spacecraft because of the continual acceleration that solar sailing provides.

American and Russian satellites have used electric propulsion for decades. As of 2019, over 500 spacecraft operated throughout the Solar System use electric propulsion for station keeping, orbit raising, or primary propulsion.

A first-generation nuclear cryogenic propulsion system could propel human explorers to Mars more efficiently than conventional spacecraft, reducing crew exposure to harmful space radiation and other effects of long-term space missions. It could also transport heavy cargo and science payloads.

The Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) is a new propulsion system developed by NASA. It works by rapidly rotating and detonating a mixture of fuel and oxidizer in a continuous combustion cycle, generating high-pressure and high-temperature gases that provide thrust.

Spacecraft that orbit Earth, called satellites, are close enough to the Sun that they can often use solar power. These spacecraft have solar panels which convert the Sun's energy into electricity that powers the spacecraft. The electricity from the solar panels charges a battery in the spacecraft.

How do satellites propel themselves? ›

Once a satellite is in position above Earth it needs a method of propulsion to make sure it can move if needed, avoiding space debris, compensating for drag over time, and even de-orbiting itself at the end of its mission. The current standard propellant for satellites is hydrazine-based fuel, which is highly toxic.

Once the rocket motor is switched off the satellite continues at the final speed achieved, neither speeding up nor slowing down, and the gravitational pull of the Earth continuously tugs the satellite in and along its orbital path. In this sense, the satellite just keeps going itself .

Kessler in 1978, is a scenario in which the density of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) due to space pollution is numerous enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade in which each collision generates space debris that increases the likelihood of further collisions.

Kessler Syndrome is a nightmare space scenario in which the number of satellites and orbital debris is so high that collisions occur, each one generating more and more space debris and, in turn, cascading collisions.

SpaceX said that of the almost 6,000 satellites launched by SpaceX, it has to-date initiated controlled de-orbits on 406. Seventeen of those are currently non-maneuverable and described as passively decaying while “well-tracked”, while the rest are in controlled descent or have already de-orbited.

Spacecraft that orbit Earth, called satellites, are close enough to the Sun that they can often use solar power. These spacecraft have solar panels which convert the Sun's energy into electricity that powers the spacecraft. The electricity from the solar panels charges a battery in the spacecraft.

Ion thrusters (based on a NASA design) are now being used to keep over 100 geosynchronous Earth orbit communication satellites in their desired locations, and three NSTAR ion thrusters that utilize Glenn-developed technology are enabling the Dawn spacecraft (launched in 2007) to travel deep into our solar system.

When thrust is needed some of the pressurised gas is released through the nozzle. Typical gases used are nitrogen, argon, freon and propane. It is important to make sure that the gas will not damage any components that it might land on such as solar cells, sensors or even an astronaut's space suit!

As others have stated, the ISS can use chemical rocket engines to re-boost to a higher orbit as atmospheric drag causes it to slow down and drop to lower orbits. For this purpose it can use the engines that are part of the station itself, or those that are part of visiting spacecraft.