Highlights ► Small forces on high A/m spacecraft create non-negligible accelerations. ► Atmospheric drag effects modelled with statistical particle method. ► More accurate drag coefficients for these spacecraft derived. ► Controlling spacecraft temperature allows for orbit control within swarm. ► Non-uniform temperature modification proposed for attitude control.

    Abstract The aerodynamic situation of a satellite-on-a-chip operating in low Earth orbit bears some resemblance to a classical Crookes radiometer. The large area-to-mass ratio characteristic of a SpaceChip means that very small surface-dependent forces produce non-negligible accelerations that can significantly alter its orbit. When the temperature of a SpaceChip changes, the drag force can be changed: if the temperature increases, the drag increases (and vice versa). Analytical expressions available in the literature that describe the change in drag coefficient with orbit altitude and SpaceChip temperature compare well with our direct simulation Monte Carlo results presented here. It is demonstrated that modifying the temperature of a SpaceChip could be used for relative orbit control of individual SpaceChips in a swarm, with a maximum change in position per orbit of 50m being achievable at 600km altitude.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Rarefied gas effects on the aerodynamics of high area-to-mass ratio spacecraft in orbit


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 51 , 11 ; 2112-2124


    Publication date :

    2013-01-02


    Size :

    13 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English