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.
SYSTEM FOR IN-ORBIT PROPULSION VIA FLOATING CONDUCTOR CABLES
SYSTEM FÜR ANTRIEB IM ORBIT ÜBER FLOTIERENDE LEITERKABEL
SYSTÈME DE PROPULSION EN ORBITE AU MOYEN DE CÂBLES CONDUCTEURS FLOTTANTS
2020-07-22
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS |
SYSTEM FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL POWER IN ORBIT BY MEANS OF FLOATING CONDUCTOR CABLES
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