Jul 31, 2019
Propellantless propulsion system could keep satellites in orbit, reduce space junk
Posted by Quinn Sena in category: satellites
Circa 2018
One of the main factors limiting the life of satellites is how much propellant they can carry to execute orbital corrections. Now scientists in Spain have come up with a propellantless propulsion system that also doubles as an electric generator. Using the Earth’s magnetic field interacting with a 2-km long aluminum tether, the system could be used to dispose of space debris and boost the orbit of the International Space Station (ISS).