Space scavengers on ion engines. Free Technical Library News

NEWS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NOVELTY IN ELECTRONICS
Free technical library / timeline

Space scavengers on ion engines

14.04.2012

Swiss engineers from the EPFL laboratory have developed a prototype of an ultra-compact ion thruster that will allow launching small satellites out of low Earth orbit. The MicroThrust engine has a simple design and is designed for installation on nanosatellites weighing 1-100 kg. The engine weighs only about 200 grams, including fuel and control electronics. It can be installed on the CleanSpace nanosatellite-scavenger or on satellites like OLFAR, which can record ultra-low frequency signals on the far side of the Moon.

Small satellites are now "in vogue" because they are relatively cheap to manufacture and launch - about half a million dollars, compared to conventional satellites, which cost hundreds of millions. However, nanosatellites currently do not have an efficient engine, they are "chained" to the Earth and cannot be used to study deep space. The MicroThrust engine solves this problem.

The new engine uses EMI-BF4 ionic liquid instead of chemical fuel, which is used as a solvent and electrolyte in the electronics industry. Fluid, made up of electrically charged molecules (ions), flows into thousands of tiny silicon holes in the engine's heart. At the outlet of the holes are grid electrodes, which are supplied with a voltage of a thousand volts. A powerful electric field extracts ions from the liquid and ejects them at a tremendous speed (up to 10 km / s), thus creating jet thrust. MicroThrust generates 100 micronewtons of thrust and has a specific impulse of 3000 seconds. Even though the motor requires high voltage, a few watts of solar panels are enough to power it.

In six months of operation, MicroThrust is capable of accelerating a nanosatellite from 24000 km/h to 42000 km/h. According to the developers, to reach the lunar orbit, a 1-kg nanosatellite with a MicroThrust engine will need only 100 ml of propellant.

So far, the first prototype of the ionic microdrive has a number of problems, for example, sometimes the flow of ionic liquid causes a short circuit. But experts see MicroThrust as an outstanding achievement that will open up entirely new possibilities for studying deep space and make space exploration more accessible.

<< Back: The breathalyzer built into the car will block the engine 14.04.2012

>> Forward: Medical cyberleeches 13.04.2012

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

A New Way to Control and Manipulate Optical Signals 05.05.2024

The modern world of science and technology is developing rapidly, and every day new methods and technologies appear that open up new prospects for us in various fields. One such innovation is the development by German scientists of a new way to control optical signals, which could lead to significant progress in the field of photonics. Recent research has allowed German scientists to create a tunable waveplate inside a fused silica waveguide. This method, based on the use of a liquid crystal layer, allows one to effectively change the polarization of light passing through a waveguide. This technological breakthrough opens up new prospects for the development of compact and efficient photonic devices capable of processing large volumes of data. The electro-optical control of polarization provided by the new method could provide the basis for a new class of integrated photonic devices. This opens up great opportunities for ... >>

Primium Seneca keyboard 05.05.2024

Keyboards are an integral part of our daily computer work. However, one of the main problems that users face is noise, especially in the case of premium models. But with the new Seneca keyboard from Norbauer & Co, that may change. Seneca is not just a keyboard, it is the result of five years of development work to create the ideal device. Every aspect of this keyboard, from acoustic properties to mechanical characteristics, has been carefully considered and balanced. One of the key features of Seneca is its silent stabilizers, which solve the noise problem common to many keyboards. In addition, the keyboard supports various key widths, making it convenient for any user. Although Seneca is not yet available for purchase, it is scheduled for release in late summer. Norbauer & Co's Seneca represents new standards in keyboard design. Her ... >>

The world's tallest astronomical observatory opened 04.05.2024

Exploring space and its mysteries is a task that attracts the attention of astronomers from all over the world. In the fresh air of the high mountains, far from city light pollution, the stars and planets reveal their secrets with greater clarity. A new page is opening in the history of astronomy with the opening of the world's highest astronomical observatory - the Atacama Observatory of the University of Tokyo. The Atacama Observatory, located at an altitude of 5640 meters above sea level, opens up new opportunities for astronomers in the study of space. This site has become the highest location for a ground-based telescope, providing researchers with a unique tool for studying infrared waves in the Universe. Although the high altitude location provides clearer skies and less interference from the atmosphere, building an observatory on a high mountain poses enormous difficulties and challenges. However, despite the difficulties, the new observatory opens up broad research prospects for astronomers. ... >>

Controlling objects using air currents 04.05.2024

The development of robotics continues to open up new prospects for us in the field of automation and control of various objects. Recently, Finnish scientists presented an innovative approach to controlling humanoid robots using air currents. This method promises to revolutionize the way objects are manipulated and open new horizons in the field of robotics. The idea of controlling objects using air currents is not new, but until recently, implementing such concepts remained a challenge. Finnish researchers have developed an innovative method that allows robots to manipulate objects using special air jets as "air fingers". The air flow control algorithm, developed by a team of specialists, is based on a thorough study of the movement of objects in the air flow. The air jet control system, carried out using special motors, allows you to direct objects without resorting to physical ... >>

Purebred dogs get sick no more often than purebred dogs 03.05.2024

Caring for the health of our pets is an important aspect of the life of every dog owner. However, there is a common assumption that purebred dogs are more susceptible to diseases compared to mixed dogs. New research led by researchers at the Texas School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences brings new perspective to this question. A study conducted by the Dog Aging Project (DAP) of more than 27 companion dogs found that purebred and mixed dogs were generally equally likely to experience various diseases. Although some breeds may be more susceptible to certain diseases, the overall diagnosis rate is virtually the same between both groups. The Dog Aging Project's chief veterinarian, Dr. Keith Creevy, notes that there are several well-known diseases that are more common in certain breeds of dogs, which supports the notion that purebred dogs are more susceptible to disease. ... >>

Random news from the Archive

NASA plans to build a repair station in orbit 12.12.2016

The American space agency NASA plans to entrust the maintenance of orbital stations and spacecraft to the Restore-L automatic satellite, which will be able to refuel and repair them.

So, the device will receive a navigation system and robotic arms, which are controlled by special software. He is able to capture satellites and return them to their proper place after service work.

The first tests of the system will take place in 2020, when the robot will try to refuel another device in orbit.

In the future, Restore-L will be used to monitor space debris and test an asteroid delivery system to the Moon. The maintenance program will also extend the life of the satellites.

See full Archive of science and technology news, new electronics

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews