Session
Pre-Conference Poster Session II
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
While nanosatellites have been widely implemented for scientific applications, power constraints, large free-space path losses, and system complexity prevent many researchers from fielding novel sensing hardware. Additionally, dead-on-arrival missions contribute to the growing volume of orbital debris. Access to lower orbits would decrease downlink losses, improve optical sensor performance, and ensure natural de-orbit for inoperable payloads. Conventional satellite propulsion technologies are capable of providing thrust required to maintain a low orbit, but increase system complexity and draw power away from the sensors. The United States Naval Academy has developed the Water Vapor Independent Satellite Propulsion system (WISP) to maintain orbits as low as 250km without drawing electrical power during steady state operation. This system utilizes an aqueous methyl alcohol propellant that passively evaporates across a phase separation boundary prior to exiting through a nozzle. Since this process occurs passively based on propellant evaporation properties and expansion chamber conditions, no electrical power is required during steady state operation. Theoretical calculations show that this system of 1U volume (10 x 10 x 10cm) is capable of providing sufficient thrust to maintain orbit for approximately 30 days.
Paper for Water Vapor Independent Satellite Propulsion System (WISP) for Nanosatellite Orbit Maintenance
Water Vapor Independent Satellite Propulsion System (WISP) for Nanosatellite Orbit Maintenance
Utah State University, Logan, UT
While nanosatellites have been widely implemented for scientific applications, power constraints, large free-space path losses, and system complexity prevent many researchers from fielding novel sensing hardware. Additionally, dead-on-arrival missions contribute to the growing volume of orbital debris. Access to lower orbits would decrease downlink losses, improve optical sensor performance, and ensure natural de-orbit for inoperable payloads. Conventional satellite propulsion technologies are capable of providing thrust required to maintain a low orbit, but increase system complexity and draw power away from the sensors. The United States Naval Academy has developed the Water Vapor Independent Satellite Propulsion system (WISP) to maintain orbits as low as 250km without drawing electrical power during steady state operation. This system utilizes an aqueous methyl alcohol propellant that passively evaporates across a phase separation boundary prior to exiting through a nozzle. Since this process occurs passively based on propellant evaporation properties and expansion chamber conditions, no electrical power is required during steady state operation. Theoretical calculations show that this system of 1U volume (10 x 10 x 10cm) is capable of providing sufficient thrust to maintain orbit for approximately 30 days.
