Modular Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) tug concept

Geomagnetic Energy Approach to Space Debris Deorbiting in a Low Earth Orbit

“…International Journal of Aerospace Engineering concluded that under the identical removal requirements, the solid propulsion motor can lead to a very compact system with a lower wet mass than that of a liquid/hybrid propulsion motor [22,35]. An electrical propulsion system uses electrical energy usually generated by solar panels (i.e., solar electrical propulsion (SEP) [36]) or electrically expelling propellant (i.e., working mass) to meet deorbiting velocity requirements, and its principle is different with those of EDT systems by the interaction with the geomagnetic field [22]. The propellant mass consumption of the electrical propulsion is much less than that of the chemical propulsion because of its higher exhaust speed [37], and space systems with electrical propulsion can run steadily in a long period.…”