Concept analysis of a distributed thrust system, a novel induction propulsion method using high energy pulse solenoids in satellite swarms for reusable interorbital freight transport.

Abstract

Abstract To date only single vehicle thrust designs have been considered for propulsion in space, however there is no limitation preventing multivehicle distributed thrust application designs. By considering the regularity of planetary orbits and distance between orbital paths, a location in space can be targeted for next orbit arrival of a shipping container propelled on an intercepting vector that is a result of induction propulsion vector combination. This concept is achieved with Nb3Sn high energy pulse solenoids that enable a square pyramidal swarm of satellites to decompose the intercepting orbital transfer vector and propel a 20 tonne steel shipping container towards a destination swarm. This paper is a thought experiment with first pass mechanical analysis that establishes a validity algorithm then concludes that the proposed yoked solenoid design is fit for purpose and the concept is theoretically functional. The launch vector is perpendicular to the swarm’s orbital path thus force application, reaction and orbital maintenance strategies are investigated. A yoke rod’s enhancement of a superconductive solenoid’s force output and the reaction force distribution model are noted as key variances that must be investigated in further research with numerical modelling tools before the proposed design can be considered fully functional and viable for experimental testing. This design is a dedicated freight transport solution to high mass, high volume cargo required by future astronauts, such as construction machinery and materials.