The capability to significantly improve current spacecraft pointing, precision orbit maintenance and disturbance mitigation were considered using precision, quiescent microNewton electric propulsion systems. Analysis results showed that electric propulsion systems operating in the microNewton to hundreds of microNewtons thrust range can offer significant improvements over state-of-the-art mission capabilities to enable 30 m Earth-fixed orbital tubes, constellation spacecraft position control to within nanometers and exoplanet observatory pointing with 0.1 milliarcsecond precision. Specific thrust levels and profiles required to support these capabilities are discussed.


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    Title :

    Mission Enabling and Enhancing Spacecraft Capabilities with MicroNewton Electric Propulsion



    Conference:

    2010 IEEE Aerospace Conference ; 2010 ; Big Sky, MT, United States


    Publication date :

    2010-03-06


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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