Abstract The paper deals with the conceptual design of a space tug to be used in support to Earth satellites transfer manoeuvres. Usually Earth satellites are released in a non-definitive low orbit, depending on the adopted launcher, and they need to be equipped with an adequate propulsion system able to perform the transfer to their final operational location. In order to reduce the mass at launch of the satellite system, an element pre-deployed on orbit, i.e. the space tug, can be exploited to perform the transfer manoeuvres; this allows simplifying the propulsion requirements for the satellite, with a consequent decrease of mass and volume, in favour of larger payloads. The space tug here presented is conceived to be used for the transfer of a few satellites from low to high orbits, and vice versa, if needed. To support these manoeuvres, dedicated refuelling operations are envisaged. The paper starts from on overview of the mission scenario, the concept of operations and the related architecture elements. Then it focuses on the detailed definition of the space tug, from the requirements’ assessment up to the budgets’ development, through an iterative and recursive design process. The overall mission scenario has been derived from a set of trade-off analyses that have been performed to choose the mission architecture and operations that better satisfy stakeholder expectations: the most important features of these analyses and their results are described within the paper. Eventually, in the last part of the work main conclusions are drawn on the selected mission scenario and space tug and further utilizations of this innovative system in the frame of future space exploration are discussed. Specifically, an enhanced version of the space tug that has been described in the paper could be used to support on orbit assembly of large spacecraft for distant and long exploration missions. The Space Tug development is an activity carried on in the frame of the SAPERE project (Space Advanced Project Excellence in Research and Enterprise), supported by Italian Ministry of Research and University (MIUR), and specifically in its STRONG sub-project (Systems Technology and Research National Global Operations) and related to the theme of space exploration and access to space.

    Highlights The design of a reusable Space Tug for satellite servicing is proposed. A design methodology based on System Engineering tools is exploited. Space Tug reusability is considered with multiple missions and on-orbit refuelling. Preliminary system budgets evaluated through similar missions and market analysis.


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    Titel :

    Reusable space tug concept and mission


    Beteiligte:

    Erschienen in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 128 ; 21-32


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2016-07-04


    Format / Umfang :

    12 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch


    Schlagwörter :

    Conceptual design , Space Tug , Functional Analysis , Concept of Operations , Altec , Advanced Logistics Technology Engineering Center , AOCS , Attitude and Orbit Control Sub-system , ASI , Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (Italian Space Agency) , CIRA , Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (Italian Center for Aerospace Research) , CMFS , Centro Multi-Funzionale Spaziale (Multi-Functional Space Centre) , ConOps , DMS , Data Management Sub-system , DRM , Design Reference Mission , ELV , European Launch Vehicle , EPS , Electrical Power Sub-system , ESA , European Space Agency , FFBD , Functional Flow Block Diagram , GEO , Geostationary Earth Orbit , GNC , Guidance Navigation and Control , I/F , Interface , I&T , Integration & Test , IXV , Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle , LEO , Low Earth Orbit , MCC , Mission Control Center , MIUR , Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca (Italian Ministry of Research and University) , MLI , Multi-layer insulation , MSC , Mission Support Center , P/L , Payload , PoliTo , Politecnico di Torino , PoliMi , Politecnico di Milano , PRIDE , Programme for Reusable In-orbit Demonstrator for Europe , RCS , Reaction Control System , SAPERE , Space Advanced Project Excellence in Research and Enterprise , STRONG , Sistemi Tecnologie e Ricerche per l'Operatività Nazionale Globale (Systems Technology and Research National Global Operations) , SW , Software , TAS-I , Thales Alenia Space - Italia , TCS , Thermal Control Sub-system , TT&C , Telemetry Tracking and Control , UniPa , Università degli Studi di Padova , VEGA , Vettore Europeo di Generazione Avanzata (Advanced Generation European Carrier Rocket)



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