Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) is an innovative propulsion system for small satellites. With recent developments in FEEP research, several critical issues have been addressed and many concerns have been solved (thruster performance in LEO, propellant feeding, etc.). lt is now clear that the potential application field of this thruster is not only limited to micronewton level scientific missions, but includes several commercial applications such as small satellite attitude and orbit control and ultrahigh precision pointing. After a brief introduction of the FEEP principle and a summary of the state of development, this paper focuses on the application potential of this thruster to small satellites and constellations. Plans for future development are outlined.
FEEP Thrusters Applications to Constellations and Small Satellites
MARCUCCIO, SALVO;ANDRENUCCI, MARIANO;
1996-01-01
Abstract
Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) is an innovative propulsion system for small satellites. With recent developments in FEEP research, several critical issues have been addressed and many concerns have been solved (thruster performance in LEO, propellant feeding, etc.). lt is now clear that the potential application field of this thruster is not only limited to micronewton level scientific missions, but includes several commercial applications such as small satellite attitude and orbit control and ultrahigh precision pointing. After a brief introduction of the FEEP principle and a summary of the state of development, this paper focuses on the application potential of this thruster to small satellites and constellations. Plans for future development are outlined.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
