Title :
Ion propulsion-a technology for improving the cost-effectiveness of large communications satellites
Author_Institution :
Space Dept., Defence Res. Agency, Farnborough, UK
fDate :
6/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The overall launch mass of a communications satellite has a major influence on its economic performance. If this mass can be reduced substantially, the launch cost will be lower, or more revenue can be generated by carrying a larger payload or extending the operational lifetime. Since an ion propulsion system provides an exhaust velocity at least an order of magnitude higher than that of chemical thrusters, the propellant mass required for north-south station-keeping can be reduced by hundreds of kilogrammes, thereby gaining these benefits. This application of ion propulsion is discussed and quantified in the paper, for the Intelsat VII spacecraft and the UK-10 ion propulsion system
Keywords :
aerospace propulsion; artificial satellites; ion engines; satellite relay systems; Intelsat VII spacecraft; UK-10 ion propulsion system; economic performance; exhaust velocity; ion engines; large communications satellites; launch mass; north-south station-keeping; propellant mass;
Journal_Title :
Electronics & Communication Engineering Journal