Eugene Levin (Electrodynamics Technologies, LLC)
Keywords: space situational awareness, conjunctions, active collision avoidance, electrodynamic tether, propellantless spacecraft, persistently maneuverable spacecraft
Abstract:
Electrodynamic propulsion technology is currently in development by NASA, ESA, and JAXA for the purpose of affordable removal of large debris objects from LEO. At the same time, the Naval Research Laboratory is preparing a 3U CubeSat with a 1-km electrodynamic tether for a flight demonstration of electrodynamic propulsion. This type of propulsion does not require fuel. The electrodynamic thrust is the Lorentz force acting on the electric current in a long conductor (tether) in the geomagnetic field. Electrons are collected from the ambient plasma on one end and emitted back into the plasma from the other end. The electric current loop is closed through the ionosphere, as demonstrated in two previous flights. The vehicle is solar powered.
Date of Conference: September 10-13, 2013
Track: Poster