The invention relates to a system for in-orbit propulsion via floating conductive tethers loaded in a spacecraft (1), comprising two sets of electro-dynamic conductive tethers (2, 3), respectively connected to each of the two poles (4, 5) of a source (6) for generating electrical power, and wherein each set is formed by at least one conductive tether. In the presence of plasma and a magnetic field, such as in the ionosphere of the earth, an electrical current flows naturally along the conductive tethers. A Lorentz force is generated over the tethers via the interaction of the magnetic field with said current. Said force can be used to control the orbit of the spacecraft (1), varying the same in terms of direction and magnitude by means of the electrical power-generating source (6), thereby permitting the modification of the intensity and direction of the current along the tethers.


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    Title :

    SYSTEM FOR IN-ORBIT PROPULSION VIA FLOATING CONDUCTOR CABLES


    Additional title:

    SYSTEM FÜR ANTRIEB IM ORBIT ÜBER FLOTIERENDE LEITERKABEL
    SYSTÈME DE PROPULSION EN ORBITE AU MOYEN DE CÂBLES CONDUCTEURS FLOTTANTS


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2020-07-22


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS



    SYSTEM FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL POWER IN ORBIT BY MEANS OF FLOATING CONDUCTOR CABLES

    BOMBARDELLI CLAUDIO / SÁNCHEZ ARRIAGA GONZALO | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access


    Tester for Multiple-Conductor Cables

    Wirth, Manfred N. / Kellogg, Larry | NTRS | 1987



    A Propulsion System for Orbit-to-Orbit Shuttle

    Lamont, E. A. / Wells, W. W. | SAE Technical Papers | 1971