Tag

Satellite Propulsion

All articles tagged with #satellite propulsion

space-technology1 year ago

"Designer Unveils Revolutionary Air-Thrust Engine Technology"

Scientists at George Washington University and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory are developing air-breathing plasma engines (APEBs) to power satellites in very low Earth orbit using air as a fuel source, potentially reducing launch costs and preventing space debris. Anmol Taploo, a PhD student at GWU, explains the concept and benefits of APEBs, including high-quality imaging, disaster management, military defense, communications, and space debris prevention. The goal of the DARPA Charge Harmony project is to achieve a thrust-to-drag ratio greater than one, and the technology could potentially be used for spacecraft orbiting other planets within the next five years.

space-technology1 year ago

"Uncle Sam's Quest for Satellite Fuel from Thin Air"

Researchers from the Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and George Washington University are developing air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) systems for satellites in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) that can generate fuel from the atmosphere, potentially extending satellite lifetimes and reducing mass. This technology, funded by DARPA, aims to use air as propellant instead of conventional fuels, and while still in the experimental phase, it has garnered interest from space agencies like the European Space Agency.

space-technology2 years ago

"Rising Claims: Space Insurers Prepare for Propulsion Issues on Four GEO Satellites"

Insurers are bracing for more claims as four satellites, including Yahsat's Al Yah 3, Avanti Communications' Hylas 4, and Northrop Grumman's two Mission Extension Vehicles (MEV-1 and MEV-2), experience propulsion problems due to issues with their onboard Power Processing Units (PPUs). The PPUs, provided by Aerojet Rocketdyne, supply electrical power to the thrusters needed for station-keeping in geostationary orbit (GEO). The workaround of reducing voltage to the remaining PPUs has prevented complete failure but will impact the satellites' design life. Insurers are already facing over $800 million in losses this year, and the propulsion issues are expected to result in at least $50 million in additional claims.