Cyclical Electric Propulsion for Geosynchronous Stationkeeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric propulsion systems for spacecraft require significant additional electrical power and larger solar arrays, increasing complexity, cost, and risk, while existing solutions fail to efficiently manage power usage and reduce hardware complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cyclical use of electric propulsion that matches the cyclical power generation pattern, allowing intermittent suspension of North-South stationkeeping, and supplementing with chemical thrusters when power is insufficient, thereby reducing the overall electrical power margin without compromising mission performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electric propulsion systems are used for stationkeeping, then propellant mass is significantly reduced, but electrical power requirements and solar array area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic stationkeeping maneuvers instead of continuous propulsion. The electric propulsion system operates in cycles, alternating between active thrust phases and coasting phases, thereby reducing the average electrical power demand while maintaining orbital position control over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing stationkeeping only when necessary to maintain orbital parameters within acceptable tolerances. Instead of continuous correction, the system intervenes periodically with targeted maneuvers, reducing overall power consumption while achieving the required stationkeeping function
2Power
If solar array size is increased to support electric propulsion, then power availability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power management where the electric propulsion system adapts its operation based on available power from the solar arrays. The system modulates thrust levels and maneuver timing to match power generation capabilities, eliminating the need for oversized solar arrays designed for worst-case continuous operation scenarios
3Measurement precision
If continuous stationkeeping is performed, then orbital position accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based stationkeeping where orbital position is continuously monitored and compared against target parameters. Propulsion maneuvers are triggered only when deviations exceed predefined thresholds, ensuring position accuracy is maintained while avoiding unnecessary continuous thrusting that would waste power
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the solar power system size and cost, maintaining mission performance while achieving mass savings and broader application range for electric propulsion systems.
Implementation Method 1
solar power system for generating the electrical power from solar energy
Implementation Method 2
Electric propulsion is the acceleration of propellants by electrical heating or electromagnetic forces
Implementation Method 3
ionized gas may be accelerated through an electric field across charged grids
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed employing electric propulsion stationkeeping in a cyclical manner to better match the cyclical pattern of power generated by the solar array system. For a typical orbit design, e.g. a geostationary orbit, North-South stationkeeping can be intermittently suspended, tolerating some additional drift but yielding in a very significant reduction in the required solar power system. If necessary, stationkeeping can be supplemented with a chemical thrusters during off periods for the electric propulsion. Because of this, the overall electrical power margin for the solar array system design can be reduced without compromising the mission performance.