Self-Contained Orbit Termination Tool (SCOTT)

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

With the space industry shifting from large, expensive and long-lived spacecraft towards smaller, inexpensive and short duration spacecraft, there are many advantages to be gained, ranging from better science return to improved access to space. However, as access to space improves, popular orbits are becoming cluttered with spent spacecraft that are not able to remove themselves from orbit due to their lack of an integrated propulsion system (owing to their low-cost design). These spent spacecraft pose a serious collision hazard to operational spacecraft (both manned and un-manned). The space industry needs an inexpensive and self-contained tool for removing spent and potentially failed spacecraft from orbit to reduce the threat of catastrophic collisions. This proposal introduces the Self-Contained Orbit Termination Tool (SCOTT). Designed to be inexpensively manufactured using additive manufacturing technology, SCOTT will provide both orbit and attitude (pointing direction) determination and control capability from one entirely self-contained device. This research project will study the orbital dynamics of re-entering spacecraft, in combination with the pointing control required to accurately direct the thrust required for re-entry and safe spacecraft disposal. This work will also simulate and prototype the thrust generation and thrust vectoring capability of a small self-contained rocket engine that could be added to any spacecraft. Working closely with engineers from Precision ADM, a leading additive manufacturing company in Manitoba, two MSc students from the University of Manitoba will develop a working prototype of SCOTT, using cutting-edge metal additive manufacturing technology that will result in a light-weight, inexpensive yet precisely manufactured product. In addition to providing de-orbit capability for small spacecraft, SCOTT represents a new business opportunity for Precision ADM as they expand into the aerospace market.