Advanced Operation Of

Spacecraft Propulsion
System
By
Naresh.V Naresh.G
Siva Balaram Krishna.A
Srikanth.S
B.tech 2nd year,
Rajiv Gandhi University Of Knowledge Technologies(RGUKT),
Nuzvid, A.P.

Objectives

Introduction to different propulsion systems.

Chemical propulsion and its limitations

Nuclear propulsion and its limitations

Introduction of solar electric propulsion system

Advantages

Conclusion

Introduction

Space as we all know has always been charming

to mankind and provide inspiration and
imagination.

The transformation of fiction to fact was done by

scientific work of Copernicus, keppler, Galileo and
Newton.

In the last few decades there is a rapid growth

seen in the research of solar system and also the
use of efficient spacecrafts.

Propulsion system is the power plant which

provides kinetic energy conversion.

Some of the processes for spacecraft

propulsion:

Chemical

propulsion
Nuclear propulsion
Electric propulsion
Solar electric propulsion(SEP) system.

Chemical propulsion

Solar Electric Propulsion

Chemical Propulsion

Chemical Propulsion involves the chemical

reaction of propellants to move or control a
spacecraft.
It is based on the principle of converting
chemical energy to kinetic energy of the
exhaust gases in a nozzle.
Currently available chemical propulsion
systems can be categorised
as either cold gas
(e.g.nitrogen:N2) or hot
gas(e.g.liquid hydrazine

(N2H4)).

 Limitations

of Chemical propulsion

Relatively low specific impulse (thrust per unit

of mass flow rate of propellant).

This will consume large amounts of fuel when

compared to other technologies.

For e.g., nuclear propulsion system uses 50%

less mass than the best chemical engine).

 Nuclear

Propulsion System:

In nuclear propulsion a nuclear reactor heats

a coolant to high temperatures and expels it
through a nozzle with high velocity.

The reactor core consists of Uranium carbide

fuel enclosed in a graphite matrix.

Limitations Of Nuclear Propulsion

When active the Uranium atom is split

creating tremendous amounts of energy.

Radiation dose to crew. A nuclear engine will

give off tremendous amounts of radiation.

Before use of these engines is even

considered, an effective shielding
mechanism must be developed.
Development must be completed.

 SOLAR

ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEM

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) stages as having

potential to be the most effective solution to
perform deep space transfer for human missions.

Solar Electric Propulsion system use photovoltaic

cells or solar thermal converters to generate
power.

Electricity, generated by the space craft's solar

panels, gives a positive electrical charge to atoms
inside the chamber.

They are pulled by magnetic repulsion of the ship. (This

is like what happens when you hold the same pole of
two different magnets close to each other.)

This steady stream of atoms going out of the spacecraft

gives it the thrust it needs to go forward through space.

SEP is an efficient way of

moving large masses from
low Earth orbit (LEO) to
Geo stationary Orbit(GEO)
and beyond, although at
the expense of trip time.

Advantages

of Solar Electrical Propulsion:

Higher

Isp than chemical rockets, usually ranges from 1000 to

20000 s.

Radiation

effect is very less compared to Nuclear propulsion

system and it is eco friendly.

Electrostatic

or Electromagnetic propellant acceleration can be

achieved without necessarily raising the fluid and solid
temperature; hence there is no upper limit to temperature of
solid wall.

There

is no upper limit to the energy that can be added to

the propellant.

 Conclusion

Now-a-days usage of solar electric

propulsion system is very limited, In order
to achieve efficient and eco friendly, It is
better to go for this system.

Implementing and improving this system

will give bright future for upcoming
generations...

References

NASA In-space propulsion technology

roadmap

Space Propulsion Analysis and Design by

R W Humble, G N Henry and WJ Larson.

Electric Propulsion: Which One For My

Spacecraft? by Ian J. E. Jordan

THANK YOU