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Title:  Conceptual System Analysis of Very-Low-Earth-Orbit Satellites with Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion (초저궤도용 위성을 위한 공기 흡입 전기추력기의 개념 설계)

Speaker: Prof. Jun, Eun-ji (KAIST)

Date&Time: 2024-05-17, 11:00 AM

Location: Science Hall B101

Talk to be delivered in Korean
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Abstract: Very-Low-Earth-Orbit (VLEO) is beneficial for satellite operation based on payload performance improvement. The challenging issue of the satellite operation at VLEO is the atmospheric drag. The atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) could be considered to overcome the drag force by intaking the upper atmosphere as a propellant. This study investigates the ABEP operation conceptually, including the intake process, thrust mechanism, and exhaust of the plasma plume. Kinetic simulation and a 0-D analytic model for the discharge chamber are employed for the investigation. A comprehensive intake design and related propellant characteristics are demonstrated. A flight envelope of ABEP is calculated, and the behavior of exhaust plasma is assessed including the plume-background interaction.