TY - GEN
T1 - Investigating miniature electrodynamic tethers and interaction with the low earth orbit plasma
AU - Bell, Iverson C.
AU - Hagen, Kyle A.
AU - Singh, Vritika
AU - McCarty, Steven L.
AU - Cutler, James W.
AU - Gilchrist, Brian E.
AU - McTernan, Jesse K.
AU - Bilen, Sven G.
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - The sub-kilogram, "smartphone"-sized satellite is a transformative concept, inspired by the success of nanospacecraft (1-10 kg) and millimeter-scale wireless sensor network concepts. These ultra-small satellites, known as picosatellites (100 g-1 kg) and femtosatellites (<100 g), show potential to be less costly to manufacture and boost into orbit. Thus, it may be possible to launch them in large numbers, enabling unique capabilities. Organized "fleets" of picoor femtosatellites, however, will need a high level of coordination and maneuverability capability (i.e., propulsion). Also, many of these satellites can have a high area-to-mass ratio, which results in a short orbital lifetime in low Earth orbit due to atmospheric drag. In this paper, we summarize studies that found that short (few meters), semi-rigid electrodynamic tethers can provide 10-g to 1-kg satellites with complete drag cancellation and the ability to change orbit. We also present progress on the Miniature Tether Electrodynamics Experiment (MiTEE), currently in development. The goal of MiTEE will be to demonstrate miniature electrodynamic tether capabilities in space and study the fundamental dynamics and electrodynamics of the propulsion system.
AB - The sub-kilogram, "smartphone"-sized satellite is a transformative concept, inspired by the success of nanospacecraft (1-10 kg) and millimeter-scale wireless sensor network concepts. These ultra-small satellites, known as picosatellites (100 g-1 kg) and femtosatellites (<100 g), show potential to be less costly to manufacture and boost into orbit. Thus, it may be possible to launch them in large numbers, enabling unique capabilities. Organized "fleets" of picoor femtosatellites, however, will need a high level of coordination and maneuverability capability (i.e., propulsion). Also, many of these satellites can have a high area-to-mass ratio, which results in a short orbital lifetime in low Earth orbit due to atmospheric drag. In this paper, we summarize studies that found that short (few meters), semi-rigid electrodynamic tethers can provide 10-g to 1-kg satellites with complete drag cancellation and the ability to change orbit. We also present progress on the Miniature Tether Electrodynamics Experiment (MiTEE), currently in development. The goal of MiTEE will be to demonstrate miniature electrodynamic tether capabilities in space and study the fundamental dynamics and electrodynamics of the propulsion system.
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M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84884898119
SN - 9781624102394
T3 - AIAA SPACE 2013 Conference and Exposition
BT - AIAA SPACE 2013 Conference and Exposition
T2 - AIAA SPACE 2013 Conference and Exposition
Y2 - 10 September 2013 through 12 September 2013
ER -