The orbital maneuver capabilities of several CubeSat propulsion systems are analyzed using trajectory simulations. Properties of several types of developmental micropropulsion systems are reviewed, and capabilities are compared. Mission simulations are used to analyze the relationship between thrust arc length and orbit change capability in a low-thrust spiral trajectory. Constraints on power, fuel mass, and mission duration, as well as system-level constraints, are considered. Feasible CubeSat architectures and mission designs are developed for three electric propulsion systems. The most effective combinations of thruster operational modes and trajectory control strategies are discussed.
Mission Analysis for CubeSats with Micropropulsion
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets ; 53 , 5 ; 836-846
2016-10-14
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Mission Analysis for CubeSats with Micropropulsion
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