The general trend in space component miniaturization allows for small platforms for cheap and regular space access. Due to the intrinsic limits of mass and volume typical of these spacecraft, however, the possibility of including autonomous maneuvering capabilities is a challenge. As alternative option, the design of a platform which takes care of orbital maneuvers and deploying of elements of a micro-spacecraft constellation is deepened in this study. The same platform is also conceived as bus for several standard instruments and payloads that have to operate in different near-Earth regions. The platform proposed is required to be lightweight, versatile and able to reach the target orbit in a fast and effective way. This modular platform, conceived to be completely independent from a specific launcher and self-sustaining, is designed to be boarded as primary payload into a small launcher providing enhanced payload deployment capabilities. Preliminary mass and power budget, system configuration and mission analysis of a set of possible applicative scenarios are outlined in this study for designing an Electric Propulsion equipped launcher upper stage (E-Plus).
E-Plus: Extending the Operational Envelope of Small Launchers with an Auxiliary Electric Platform
MARCUCCIO, SALVO
2012-01-01
Abstract
The general trend in space component miniaturization allows for small platforms for cheap and regular space access. Due to the intrinsic limits of mass and volume typical of these spacecraft, however, the possibility of including autonomous maneuvering capabilities is a challenge. As alternative option, the design of a platform which takes care of orbital maneuvers and deploying of elements of a micro-spacecraft constellation is deepened in this study. The same platform is also conceived as bus for several standard instruments and payloads that have to operate in different near-Earth regions. The platform proposed is required to be lightweight, versatile and able to reach the target orbit in a fast and effective way. This modular platform, conceived to be completely independent from a specific launcher and self-sustaining, is designed to be boarded as primary payload into a small launcher providing enhanced payload deployment capabilities. Preliminary mass and power budget, system configuration and mission analysis of a set of possible applicative scenarios are outlined in this study for designing an Electric Propulsion equipped launcher upper stage (E-Plus).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
