Space Surfing - Propulsion and Braking In Space Applications
From the beginning when man took his first
tentative steps into outerspace, space
propulsion has remained largely the same.
Even with the incremental advances in the
efficiency of chemical fuels...
More
Space Surfing - Propulsion and Braking In Space Applications
From the beginning when man took his first
tentative steps into outerspace, space
propulsion has remained largely the same.
Even with the incremental advances in the
efficiency of chemical fuels and O rings, the
basic nature of rocketry is still defined by the
basic Delta V Rocket Equation with all its
limitations; be it the powerful boosters used to
obtain orbital velocity or the low impulse Ion
Thrusters used to power deep space missions.
This backward approach to propulsion limits
both the potential flight parameters of deep space missions and the life span of earth
orbiting satellites in a wide range of applications.
The electronics and gasket seals of the satellite may last indefinitely in earth orbiting
satellites; the useable lifespan of that satellite is limited by the availability of on-board
propellants used for orbital maintenance.
Under normal operating environments, a space
vehicle’s components, such as its r
Less
