Paul A. Zeranski
American Public University, USA
Title: Microsatellite propulsion systems for low earth orbit
Biography
Biography: Paul A. Zeranski
Abstract
Small satellites, less than 1,000 kilograms, are appealing to academia and the small commercial space enterprises, as well as various countries around the world, because they can meet a wide range of complex missions with lower development costs and shorter lead times than large satellite. This study seeks to determine the best type of propulsion system for academia and small commercial space enterprises to use for on-orbit operations, when designing and constructing microsatellites being placed into Low Earth Orbit. The propulsion systems considered are solid propellant motors, liquid bipropellant engines, liquid monopropellant engines, hybrid engines, cold gas thrusters, and pulsed plasma thrusters. The methodology used is a mixed method format with a quantitative and qualitative component. The mixed method design is a convergent parallel method design. The analysis of the data uses a combination of the Generalized Information Network Analysis (GINA) and gap analysis specifically interpreted for analysis of this study’s data which will be obtained from previously published academic works and authoritative books. The results of the combined analysis reveals that each system has its strengths and weakness, however the hybrid engine is determined to be the best propulsion system for academia and small commercial space enterprises to use.