At 11:14 AM 4/28/2013, Nick Pugh wrote:
I have just returned from a satellite conference and I think new technology will now give us a path to HEO.
I've thought for a long time that ion engines (small thrust pushing for a long time, powered by electricity) could be of great value to us.
Has anyone done the calculation to see how long it would take to go from LEO to HEO with an achievable ion engine? This seems like the first thing to calculate. If it takes less than 1 year, it seems worth serious investigation.
There are many other hurdles, of course, such as attitude control (keeping solar panels pointed at the sun while at the same time keeping engine pointed in the direction we want thrust, over a long period of time). The schemes and compromises for these issues can be worked if the basic thrust math works out.
N6NKF _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
