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Ice as fuel for satellites

26.03.2015

Scientists from the Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) have developed a fuel system for small artificial satellites CubeSat, thanks to which the devices will be able to move in space due to the molecules of evaporating ice.

Lightweight and low-cost CubeSats are extremely small spacecraft. A typical cubic module with a face length of only 10 centimeters weighs about a kilogram, while the range of tasks performed by CubeSat is quite wide, from monitoring the atmosphere to searching for exoplanets. Such satellites are usually launched with the help of "passing" carrier rockets or from the board of manned and automatic cargo spacecraft and orbital stations. The only drawback of CubeSat is the lack of its own engine, which significantly limits their capabilities.

To solve this problem, Dutch engineers designed an ice-powered engine: 100 grams of ice is loaded into the CubeSat, which begins to evaporate in space and release steam molecules. The use of a heating element speeds up the steam release process and thus gives the satellite a driving force. On such an "ice" engine CubeSat, according to calculations, will be able to fly for several years.

A prototype satellite is under development, but for now, scientists have to figure out how to get ice into orbit so that it stays ice. There is also an option to freeze water directly in orbit, but this will significantly complicate and make the design heavier. However, other groups of scientists are working on engines for the CubeSat in parallel, and it is not known which system will be the winner.

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High-speed communication through the socket 19.02.2014

The UART company, a resident of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Innovation and Technology Business Incubator (KRITBI), has created a software and hardware system that allows organizing high-speed data transmission over electric wires, this development will help to connect the Internet to remote settlements, the press service of KRITBI reports.

The development is based on PLC (power line communications) technology, which makes it possible to use power cables for data transmission. PLC technology makes it possible to conduct the Internet through existing electrical wires, which can be economically justified if it is impossible, limited or involves higher costs to conduct the Internet in another way.

"Wireless technologies 3G and 4G (LTE) are not deployed everywhere and their implementation is not always economically feasible for the provider. After all, the most expensive part in connecting subscribers is the so-called "last mile", when the provider's equipment is physically connected to the client's equipment. Our equipment will allow providers to use electric wires and optimize the cost of connecting users,” said the head of UART, Alexander Burlakov, who is quoted in the message.

The software and equipment of the "UART" company allows organizing four independent networks for data transmission over electric wires with a total speed of up to 500 Mbps.

In the near future, the UART company plans to conduct a comprehensive testing of the project, including an analysis of the operation of software and equipment. This year, the company will look for a manufacturing partner for the manufacture of printed circuit boards, as well as preparing documentation for starting production.

Recall that for about 15 years there have been solutions for organizing Ethernet networks over power wiring, and these solutions are constantly being improved (commercial products for speeds of more than 500 Mbps have recently become available), but they are mainly intended for indoor use. (apartments, offices), and not at long distances between settlements.

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