Systems and methods for achieving pristine microgravity in low earth orbit (LEO) using electric propulsion. Long-duration, low thrust, electric thrusters provide a constant thrust force for a pristine microgravity environment within a given volume of a space vehicle experiencing drag forces in LEO. Large space vehicles in LEO configured to be pressurized for human habitation, for instance having a mass of at least 40,000 kg and an internal volume of at least 400 m3, can use the electric propulsion systems and methods to achieve a quasi-steady acceleration less than or equal to 1.0 μg for durations of 180 consecutive days or longer.
Microgravity in low earth orbit with continuous electric propulsion
2024-10-29
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS |
Electric Propulsion for Low Earth Orbit Constellations
NTIS | 1998
|Electric Propulsion for Low Earth Orbit Constellations
NTIS | 1998
|Electric Propulsion for Low Earth Orbit Constellations
NTRS | 1998
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