MOSCOW, 26 Jun. Propulsion systems designed in Russia will allow improving the characteristics of small spacecraft and creating maneuvering orbital constellations of satellites, according to the Omsk Technical University (OmSTU). The results of the study have been published in a number of scientific publications, for example, in the journal Dynamics of Systems, Mechanisms and Machines.
Small spacecraft (SSC) can weigh from 1 to 500 kg. They are used for a wide range of scientific and applied tasks, in particular for remote sensing of the Earth, space monitoring and others, the Omsk Polytechnic University said.
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Such devices operate in low earth orbits, where the influence of gravity is strong. Therefore, for their maintenance and proper functionality of the small spacecraft, appropriate propulsion systems are needed.
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“For the latter, the margin of characteristic speed is especially significant, that is, the one that is necessary for performing various maneuvers. It is equally important to take into account in the design a sufficient fuel reserve, low power consumption and small dimensions of the engine», — explained Anton Lukyanchik, senior lecturer of the Department of Aircraft and Rocket Engineering, OmSTU.
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For example, automation, solenoid valves, micromotor remain unchanged, and the fuel system in the form of a tank and pipelines is completed for specific purposes. This provides a larger margin of characteristic velocity for orbital maneuvering. Also, thanks to a number of engineering solutions, reliability is increased, weight is reduced, and the time for creating propulsion systems is reduced, Lukyanchik continued. https://ria.ru/20221213/omgtu-1837148212.html» data->
Now various freons, isobutane and other gases harmful to humans are used as fuel for propulsion systems. At the same time, OmSTU researchers have proposed a design that can operate on a completely safe alcohol-water mixture for humans.
«The alcohol-water mixture comes from the fuel tank to the automation elements and enters the microengine. It consists of a large number of gas channels and a heater. When voltage is applied, the micromotor heats up, the fuel evaporates, the generated steam overheats and creates thrust,» Lukyanchik specified.
The scientist noticed that the necessary components to create prototypes of the propulsion system were received by the university at the end of 2022 as part of the Priority 2030 program. Now specialists are assembling them, and by the end of this year they plan to test them in a vacuum chamber.