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 an alternative option, this study addresses the design of a platform which takes care of orbital maneuvers and deploying of elements of a micro-spacecraft constellation. The same platform is also conceived as a bus for several standard instruments and payloads that have to operate in different near-Earth regions. In this study, we outline preliminary mass and power budget, system configuration and mission analysis of a set of possible applicative scenarios for the Electric Propulsion equipped Launcher Upper Stage (E-Plus). The proposed platform is required to be lightweight, versatile and able to reach the target orbit in a fast and effective way. Conceived to be completely independent from a specific launcher and self-sustaining, it is designed to be boarded as primary payload into a small launcher, thus providing enhanced payload deployment capabilities.
E-Plus: Electric Propulsion Equipped Launchers Upper Stage
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 an alternative option, this study addresses the design of a platform which takes care of orbital maneuvers and deploying of elements of a micro-spacecraft constellation. The same platform is also conceived as a bus for several standard instruments and payloads that have to operate in different near-Earth regions. In this study, we outline preliminary mass and power budget, system configuration and mission analysis of a set of possible applicative scenarios for the Electric Propulsion equipped Launcher Upper Stage (E-Plus). The proposed platform is required to be lightweight, versatile and able to reach the target orbit in a fast and effective way. Conceived to be completely independent from a specific launcher and self-sustaining, it is designed to be boarded as primary payload into a small launcher, thus providing enhanced payload deployment capabilities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
