A novel steam-based propulsion system will attempt a crucial orbit-raising maneuver just hours after a South Korean cubesat is deployed during next year’s Artemis 2 mission. The mission team has emphasized the life-or-death importance of this maneuver, highlighting a bold new step in satellite propulsion.
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Space Technology
Steam thruster entrusted to raise orbit of Artemis 2 cubesat
Photo by Space News
Key Takeaways:
- A novel steam thruster will be used to adjust the orbit of a South Korean cubesat.
- The maneuver must happen hours after the cubesat’s deployment on the Artemis 2 mission.
- This steam-based propulsion system is considered “life-or-death” for the success of the cubesat.
- Engineers are hoping this technology will widen the scope of innovative propulsion methods.
- The cubesat’s success could shape future satellite missions beyond Artemis 2.
Introduction
The Artemis 2 mission slated for next year will not only be a significant milestone in spaceflight but also a critical testbed for groundbreaking satellite propulsion technology. Among the hardware hitching a ride is a South Korean cubesat, which will rely on a steam-based thruster to execute a mission-saving orbit-raising maneuver.
The Steam Thruster Technology
At the heart of this effort is a propulsion system that departs from traditional thrusters. Rather than using chemical propellants, the cubesat’s thruster generates thrust from steam. According to mission planners, this “novel propulsion system” is designed to deliver enough power to nudge the cubesat upward in a precise orbit, proving that steam can effectively be harnessed in space.
The Life-or-Death Maneuver
Within hours of its release from the Artemis 2 spacecraft, the South Korean cubesat will attempt what engineers have described as a “life-or-death” maneuver. This phrase underscores the high stakes involved; failure to reach the intended orbit could render the mission inoperable. Should the steam thruster succeed, it will exemplify the reliability of alternative fuels and reinforce confidence in employing such systems for critical maneuvers.
Implications for Future Missions
If this orbit-raising effort proves a success, it will be a landmark in spaceflight capabilities. Engineers and mission planners could adopt similar propulsion systems for future cubesat deployments and other small satellite projects. The global space community will watch closely, as a positive outcome could open doors for a new generation of more efficient, environmentally friendly, and versatile satellite propulsion technologies.
