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CubeSat Lunar Positioning System Enabled by Novel On-Board Electric Propulsion | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

CubeSat Lunar Positioning System Enabled by Novel On-Board Electric Propulsion


Abstract:

Due to the advances in miniaturization, CubeSats are becoming more versatile, with projected mission capabilities that are traditionally reserved for larger satellites. H...Show More

Abstract:

Due to the advances in miniaturization, CubeSats are becoming more versatile, with projected mission capabilities that are traditionally reserved for larger satellites. However, they are still limited by a lack of efficient propulsive means. A novel electric thruster based on electron cyclotron resonance heating and magnetic nozzle acceleration may provide a suitable yet simple solution. This device, while currently providing 1000 s Isp and 1 mN of thrust at 30 W of power, may enable lunar CubeSat missions from geosynchronous earth orbit using on-board propulsion. An example mission to provide GPS on the lunar surface using 3-U CubeSats in a 60°:28/4/6 Walker constellation with a semimajor axis of 4000 km is proposed; a preliminary assessment of this mission, together with the satellite architecture and cost, is performed. Concurrent trajectory design for very-low-energy transfers is used to demonstrate the feasibility of the mission and its impact on the spacecraft design.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science ( Volume: 46, Issue: 2, February 2018)
Page(s): 319 - 329
Date of Publication: 30 January 2018

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I. Introduction

One of the biggest trends in space technology is miniaturization. Currently, 762 nanosatellites have been launched [1], accounting for nearly 10% of all spacecraft ever launched. Part of their success has been due to the CubeSat standard which 699 out of those 762 nanosatellites abide by. Technology in the field of miniaturization is rapidly advancing, thus increasing the capabilities of CubeSats. The main constraint on CubeSats, however, has been the restricted propulsive capabilities, which limit the breadth of missions that these satellites may carry out; furthermore, the CubeSat standard aims for simplicity and cost reduction, which sometimes comes in conflict with the versatility required for scientific or exploration missions. However, CubeSats have proven to be robust platforms, and thus, presently, a wide range of bold missions with dedicated hardware and capabilities are being proposed; Lunar IceCube [2] and Lunar Flashlight [3] are examples of lunar exploration missions, focused on the search for water ice and volatiles with dedicated scientific payloads, such as BIRCHES [4]. AstroCube and MarCO [5] are examples of deep space exploration beyond cis-lunar space; many of these mission scenarios have been unlocked through the use of on-board miniaturized propulsion systems. However, all of the aforementioned missions are “piggybacking” on a larger spacecraft for the bulk of the transfer.

References

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