S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
S.1 Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Chapter 1: Introduction to ...
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<strong>Chapter</strong> 4: <strong>Spacecraft</strong> <strong>Propulsion</strong> System Selection<br />
Peter Erichsen, September 2006<br />
<strong>S.1</strong> <strong>Introduction</strong><br />
- 1 -<br />
The selection of the best propulsion system for a given spacecraft missions is a complex<br />
process. Selection criteria employed in the design trades include performance, cost,<br />
availability, etc.<br />
The selection process involves a variety of propulsion options, such as systems operated<br />
with cold gas, liquid monopropellant and bipropellant, or some form of electric propulsion.<br />
The evolution of future spacecraft systems will be mainly determined by a reduction of<br />
space mission costs and extend exploration of the solar system up <strong>to</strong> interstellar missions.<br />
A software program can be used,<br />
which is based on the evaluation of<br />
system-specific impulses, Issp, and<br />
determination of the overall<br />
propulsion system mass fraction,<br />
mPS/mS/C.<br />
The Issp-program can be downloaded<br />
from the Swedish Space Corporation<br />
(SSC) website http:www.ssc.se/ssd<br />
Issp Program