Tag

Propulsion Systems

All articles tagged with #propulsion systems

science-and-technology29 days ago•3 min saved

Stuttgart Researcher Proposes Air-Breathing Plasma Engine for Indefinite Low-Orbit Satellites

Francesco Romano’s PhD thesis at the University of Stuttgart introduces a new Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) system designed to keep satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) indefinitely without traditional fuel. By using a contactless RF Helicon Plasma Thruster and a specular intake, the design converts atmospheric molecules into plasma for thrust, solving the fuel dependency of current VLEO missions.

via Universe Today|

#plasma-physics #propulsion-systems #satellite-technology

science-and-technology1 year ago•74 min saved

Project Hyperion: Designing the Next Interstellar Ship

The article discusses the concept of interstellar ship design competitions, highlighting the technical, societal, and philosophical challenges of building generation ships capable of long-term space travel, including propulsion, self-sufficiency, human psychology, and cultural sustainability.

via Hacker News|

#generation-ships #interstellar-travel #propulsion-systems

space3 years ago•5 min saved

"Revolutionary Solar Sails Slash Mars Travel Time to 26 Days"

A recent study explores the potential of using aerographite solar sails for faster and more efficient space travel to Mars and interstellar space. Solar sails, which use sunlight for propulsion, could dramatically reduce travel time and fuel requirements. Simulations showed that a solar sail made of aerographite could reach Mars in just 26 days and the heliopause (interstellar medium) in 5.3 years. The low density and mechanical properties of aerographite make it an advantageous material for solar sails. However, deceleration upon arrival at the destination remains a challenge that requires further study.

via Phys.org|

#aerographite #interstellar-space #mars

space3 years ago•3 min saved

Benchmark Receives AFRL Award for ASCENT Thruster Development

Benchmark Space Systems has been awarded a $2.81 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop and test thrusters using Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) fuel. The contract aims to optimize the thrusters for size, weight, and longevity, with the development of a 22 Newton thruster for hot-fire demonstrations and a preliminary design of a 100 Newton thruster assembly. Benchmark is also establishing an Advanced Propellants Group to explore nontoxic chemical, electric, and hybrid propulsion systems, potentially expanding the usage of ASCENT and other green propellants in the space industry.

via SpaceNews|

#afrl #ascent #benchmark-space-systems

space3 years ago•2 min saved

Agile Space Industries secures $13 million in funding for expansion.

Agile Space Industries has raised $13m in a seed funding round led by Caruso Ventures, with participation from Lockheed Martin Ventures, Greater Colorado Venture Fund, CORI Innovation Fund and Greenline Ventures. The Colorado-based company plans to use the funds to expand its metal additive manufacturing and chemical propulsion testing infrastructure, as well as accelerate product development activities. Agile is supplying thrusters for robotic lunar landers being built by Astrobotic Technology and Japan’s ispace, and has established diversification between national security, civil and commercial space with some great opportunities for recurring business.

via SpaceNews|

#agile-space-industries #funding #lockheed-martin-ventures