Space Propulsion Module Combining Solid-Fuel and Electric Thrusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft propulsion systems face challenges with high fuel costs and radiation exposure due to the trade-offs between liquid propellant chemical thrusters and electric thrusters, which offer high acceleration but low energy efficiency and long transfer times, respectively.
Innovation Solution
A space propulsion module combining a solid propellant chemical thruster with an electric thruster, where the electric thruster is mounted on the main body of the chemical thruster, allowing for high thrust when needed and efficient fuel use, with the option to use either propulsion method depending on the mission requirements, and featuring a compact design for integration with various spacecraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If liquid propellant chemical thrusters are used, then high acceleration is achieved, but specific impulse is low and fuel mass is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines liquid propellant chemical thrusters and electric thrusters into a single propulsion system. The chemical thrusters provide high acceleration for rapid orbit transfer, while the electric thrusters provide high specific impulse for efficient fuel consumption. This merging allows the system to achieve both high speed and low fuel mass by utilizing the complementary strengths of both propulsion types.
2Quantity of substance
If electric thrusters are used, then specific impulse is high, but acceleration is low and transfer time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines liquid propellant chemical thrusters and electric thrusters into a single propulsion system. The chemical thrusters provide high acceleration for rapid orbit transfer, while the electric thrusters provide high specific impulse for efficient fuel consumption. This merging allows the system to achieve both high speed and low fuel mass by utilizing the complementary strengths of both propulsion types.
3Force
If solid propellant chemical thrusters are used, then high thrust is achieved, but system complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solid propellant chemical thrusters which are simpler in structure compared to liquid propellant systems. Solid propellants do not require complex pressurized tanks, supply pipes, isolation valves, or preheaters. The solid propellant is stored in a simple container and ignites directly, providing high thrust with significantly reduced system complexity and fewer moving parts.
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 configuration enables efficient orbit transfers with reduced fuel mass, lower launch costs, and minimized radiation exposure, allowing for a larger payload with transfer times of 2-3 months or less, while maintaining a compact and autonomous propulsion system.
Implementation Method 1
solid propellant chemical thruster
Implementation Method 2
electric thrusters have been developed: these thrusters produce thrust by acceleration and ejection of charged particles, ions in particular
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A space propulsion module in particular for equipping spacecraft such as satellites, probes, or indeed upper stages of rockets. According to the invention, this space propulsion module comprises a solid-fuel chemical thruster (10), having a main body (11), and at least one electric thruster (30), said at least one electric thruster (30) being mounted on said main body (11) of the solid-fuel chemical thruster (10).