Solid rocket propulsion technology for de-orbiting spacecraft  

作　　者：Adam OKNINSKI 

机构地区：[1]Center of Space Technologies,Lukasiewicz Research Network-Institute of Aviation,Warsaw 02-256,Poland

出　　处：《Chinese Journal of Aeronautics》2022年第3期128-154,共27页中国航空学报（英文版）

基　　金：financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange(No.PPI/APM/2018/1/00032/U/001);Work presented from projects of ESA includes work done during preliminary phases of ASPro(Pre-Qualification of Aluminium-Free Solid Propellant)and SPRODEM(Solid Propellant De-orbit Motor Engineering Model Development)projects funded within the General Support Technology Programme(GSTP)。

摘　　要：This paper presents the topic of using solid rocket propulsion for de-orbiting spacecraft,in order to fulfil space debris mitigation requirements.The benefits and disadvantages of using such means are discussed.A dedicated system can be implemented in the satellite design phase and shall be a key subsystem of platforms inserted into orbit.Uncontrolled,semi-controlled and controlled de-orbit can be completed using solid rocket motors.Their impact on the space debris environment is discussed.Specific requirements for dedicated propellants and systems are provided.While the majority of presently developed rocket systems worldwide require high burn rates,several applications,including de-orbiting,benefit from solid propellants with decreased regression rates.This allows limiting spacecraft accelerations and loads during de-orbit manoeuvres.Moreover,the requirement of minimising solid particle generation is presented.Heritage technology from the Mercury and Gemini human spaceflight programmes,where de-orbit motors were used,is shown.Historical Soviet,American and Chinese film-return-capsule solid propellant retrorockets,enabling deorbit,are also presented.A detailed survey of current work worldwide on end-of-life disposal using solid propulsion is included.Challenges of developing dedicated systems are discussed.Finally,an outlook on solid rocket motor utilisation for space debris mitigation is provided.

关 键 词：De-orbit De-orbiting technology End-of-life disposal Satellite propulsion system development Solid propellant Solid rocket motor Space debris mitigation Space traffic management 

分 类 号：V435[航空宇航科学与技术—航空宇航推进理论与工程]