Attitude control: A key factor during the design of low-thrust propulsion for CubeSats

Quinsac, Gary; Segret, Boris; Koppel, Christophe; Mosser, B.

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.03.053

Cited by 11 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…However, the average power consumption does not determine the required peak power consumption. There can be a payload, or a propulsion system, which needs to draw a large amount of power only for a very limited time (e.g., up to 30 W only for a CubeSat propulsion [71]). In that case, the satellite's power system still needs to provide a sufficient amount of power, that might require high power from the batteries.…”

Section: Mission Requirements On Batteriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of Battery Technology in CubeSats and Small Satellite Solutions

2020

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CubeSats and small satellite solutions are increasing in popularity as they enable a fast, cheap, and agile way for satellite applications. An essential component of nearly every satellite is the energy storage device, which is practically equal to a battery. Consequently, an overview of past, present, and future battery technologies for CubeSats is presented. CubeSats use typically commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) batteries. They are not primarily dedicated to space, so their suitability to the space environment needs to be evaluated. Batteries are also considered as potentially dangerous goods. Thus, there are guidelines and standards that specify safety criteria and tests for the batteries in order to be allowed for transportation and launch. Furthermore, the character of satellites’ missions determines their demand on batteries in terms of current rates, depth-of-discharge, and lifetime. Thus, these expectations are discussed. A market survey was also carried out to identify currently available commercial battery solutions and their parameters. This work summarizes the status, requirements, and the market situation of batteries for CubeSats.

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Section: Mission Requirements On Batteriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of Battery Technology in CubeSats and Small Satellite Solutions

2020

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“…In recent years, satellites have gradually developed toward miniaturization and integration. Micro-and nano-satellites have small sizes and low manufacturing costs [1] and are suitable for mass production and application. Hence, they are playing an increasingly important role in many fields [2,3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a Laser Micro-Thruster and On-Orbit Testing

Ye,

Wang,

Chang

et al. 2023

Aerospace

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Laser micro-thrust technology is a type of propulsion that uses a laser beam to ablate a propellant such as a metal or plastic. The ablated material is expelled out the back of the spacecraft, generating thrust. The technology has the advantages of high control precision, high thrust–power ratios, and excellent performances, and it has played an important role in the field of micro-propulsion. In this study, a solid propellant laser micro-thruster was developed and then applied for the attitude control of satellites during on-orbit tests. The micro-thruster had a volume of 0.5 U, a weight of 440 g, and a thrust range of 10 μN–0.6 mN. The propellant, 87% glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) + 10% ammonium perchlorate (AP) + 3% carbon nano-powder, was supplied via a double-layer belt, and the average power was less than 10 W. We present the development of the laser micro-thruster, as well as the results regarding the thruster propulsion performance. The thruster was launched into orbit on 27 February 2022 with the Chuangxin Leishen Satellite developed by Spacety. The on-orbit test of the thruster for satellite attitude control was carried out. The thruster was successfully fired in space and played an obvious role in the attitude control of the satellite. The experimental results show that the thrust is about 315 μN.

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“…As novel air vehicles to operate missions of earth orbit or space exploration, micro-/nano-satellites possess the merits of being small and light with convenient fabrication, low costs, etc [1]. The diversified tasks of micro-/nano-satellites require accurate, controlled and continuous thrust output in order for satellites to transfer orbits [2], adjust attitude [3] and rapidly maneuver [4], etc.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impacts of laser pulse width and target thickness on laser micro-propulsion performance

Wang¹,

Du²,

Du³

et al. 2022

Plasma Sci. Technol.

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In order to optimize laser ablation performance of a micro-thruster with 1U dimensions, which employs a micro semiconductor laser, the impacts of pulse width and glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) thickness on thrust performance was researched. The results showed that with a GAP thickness of 200 μm, the single-pulse impulse (I) increased gradually with the increase in the laser pulse width from 50 to 800 μs, while the specific impulse (Isp), impulse coupling coefficient (Cm), and ablation efficiency (η) all reached optimal values with a 200 μs pulse width. It’s worth noting that the optimal pulse width is exactly the ignition delay time. Both Cm and η peaked with the pulse width of 200 μs, reaching 242.22 μN/W and 35.4%, respectively. With the increase in the GAP thickness, the I and the Cm increased gradually. The GAP of different thickness corresponded to different optimal laser pulse width. Under a certain laser pulse width, the optimal GAP thickness should be the most vertical thickness of the ablation pit, and the various propulsion performance parameters at this time were also optimal. With the current laser parameters, the optimal GAP thickness was approximately 150 μm, the Isp was approximately 322.22 s, and the η was approximately 34.94%.

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Attitude control: A key factor during the design of low-thrust propulsion for CubeSats

Cited by 11 publications

References 13 publications

A Review of Battery Technology in CubeSats and Small Satellite Solutions

A Review of Battery Technology in CubeSats and Small Satellite Solutions

Development of a Laser Micro-Thruster and On-Orbit Testing

Impacts of laser pulse width and target thickness on laser micro-propulsion performance

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