Research Summaries

Back Drag Device to Offset Deorbiting Propulsion

Fiscal Year 2019
Division Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Investigator(s) Romano, Marcello
Sponsor Department of Defense Space (DoD)
Summary On-demand worldwide access to intelligence targets of interest requires satellite maneuvers that are in-turn demanding of propulsion systems and fuel usage. Minimizing propulsion fuel usage for non- targeting activities, thereby freeing up propulsive capacity for mission-related maneuvers, is the strategic objective of this proposal. One propulsive maneuver that is required, but does not directly support mission activities, is the end-of-life spacecraft de-orbit burn. In some cases, a significant fuel reserve must be maintained throughout the mission life for this maneuver. Specifically, we seek to develop passive or semi-passive drag elements that would be deployed at the spacecraft end-of-life.
Keywords Astronautical Engineering Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal