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When in space, the purpose of a propulsion system is to change the velocity, or v, of a spacecraft. [6] In-space propulsion begins where the upper stage of the launch vehicle leaves off, performing the functions of primary propulsion, reaction control, station keeping, precision pointing, and orbital maneuvering.
The Swift spacecraft is an example of a spacecraft that does not have a propulsion subsystem. Typically though, LEO spacecraft include a propulsion subsystem for altitude adjustments (drag make-up maneuvers) and inclination adjustment maneuvers. A propulsion system is also needed for spacecraft that perform momentum management maneuvers.
Space technology is technology for use in outer space. Space technology includes space vehicles such as spacecraft , satellites , space stations and orbital launch vehicles ; deep-space communication ; in-space propulsion ; and a wide variety of other technologies including support infrastructure equipment, and procedures .
Spacecraft with electric propulsion Spacecraft name Launch date End of life Thruster type No. Model Propellant Spacecraft customer Thruster prime Comment Program 661A Flight A: 18 Dec 1962: 18 Dec 1962: Ion engine: 1: Cesium: USAF: EOS (Electro-Optical Systems, Inc.) Suborbital, no operation of on-board ion engine Kosmos 21: 11 Nov 1963: 11 Nov ...
The first space probe to attempt TLI was the Soviet Union's Luna 1 on January 2, 1959 which was designed to impact the Moon. The burn however didn't go exactly as planned and the spacecraft missed the Moon by more than three times its radius and was sent into a heliocentric orbit. [9]
A pulsed plasma thruster (PPT), also known as a Pulsed Plasma Rocket (PPR), or as a plasma jet engine (PJE), is a form of electric spacecraft propulsion. [1] PPTs are generally considered the simplest form of electric spacecraft propulsion and were the first form of electric propulsion to be flown in space, having flown on two Soviet probes (Zond 2 and Zond 3) starting in 1964. [2]
The first test of electric propulsion was an experimental ion engine carried on board the Soviet Zond 1 spacecraft in April 1964, [16] however they operated erratically possibly due to problems with the probe. [17] The Zond 2 spacecraft also carried six Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (PPT) that served as actuators of the attitude control system. The ...
Smaller rocket engines on the craft's body provided propulsion in orbit and de-orbital burns, similar to the Space Shuttle's OMS pods. Unlike the Space Shuttle whose first orbital spaceflight was accomplished in April 1981, Buran, whose first and only spaceflight occurred in November 1988, had a capability of flying uncrewed missions, as well ...