Advanced Space Propulsion System: The Need for Satellites in Space Orbit
Space propulsion systems are constantly witnessing key advancements in their systems and shifting toward becoming faster, lighter, and quieter since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) started launching rockets in 1950.
The present advanced propulsion system has got a high thrust level, enhanced technological design, and better reliability, and these features are converting the traditional propulsion system into a smarter system.
All the key improvements in the space propulsion and aeronautics systems have been possible only due to the advancements in the current electronics components. To know more about propulsion advancements, let’s start by discussing in-depth space propulsion.
Space Propulsion
Space propulsion refers to the method that allows spacecraft to accelerate the speed or decelerate while in outer space or inside the Earth’s atmosphere. The present space propulsion system is divided mainly into two categories: liquid fuel propulsion system and solid fuel propulsion system.
In the future, there is a high chance of spacecraft getting powered by electromagnetic, ion, or nuclear propulsion systems.
Why Do Satellites Require Propulsion After Reaching Inside Space Orbit?
- Gravitational Disturbances
The satellites used by telecommunication companies stay fixed at their positions (stationary) above the atmosphere of the Earth.
If the telecommunication satellites move out of the fixed position due to any reason, such as the pull of the sun or moon, the TV signal gets lost. So, to keep the telecommunication satellites fixed in the same positions and safe from disturbances in space, propulsion systems are used.
They help the satellites in providing the required amount of power and keeping them stationary in their fixed areas while keeping them safe from forces of the natural satellites such as the moon.
- Atmospheric Drag
Atmospheric drag is only witnessed in the lower orbits of the Earth. In this situation, the propulsion system is used to compensate for the air drag inside the spacecraft. The bigger objects suffer the most in the lower orbits of the Earth.
- Orbit Change
Satellites keep changing their present orbits to get their respective jobs done, such as Earth observation satellites.
Industry Insights on Global Space Propulsion System Market
The space industry is constantly making numerous developments in the spacecraft propulsion system over the last few decades.
Earlier, the spacecraft propulsion system market was completely dominated by Russia and the U.S. However, today several other nations, such as China, Europe, Japan, and India, have also started competing with these regions.
According to the BIS Research report, the global space propulsion system market is supposed to grow from a market value of $8.30 billion in 2019 to $21.79 billion by 2025, with a growth rate of 11.76% during the period 2020–2025.
Also, the satellite application segment is supposed to keep dominating the global space propulsion system market through the forecast period (2020–2025). The market value of the satellite application segment is expected to rise from $3,607.6 million in 2019 to $12,482.8 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 11.57%.
Recent Advancements in Spacecraft Propulsion Technology
- Solar Sails
Solar sails work exactly like a sailboat, the only difference between them is the sailboat helps to propel the boat in the water, and solar sails help the spacecraft propel in space.
The solar sails present in the spacecraft propulsion system are larger solar panels that keep collecting heat energy from the sun. Later the solar sails create high pressure from the collected solar energy and allow the spacecraft to move forward.
Solar sails have allowed propulsion manufacturers to create cost-effective and durable spacecraft propulsion systems. The technology of solar sails isn’t cheaper to produce, but it allows spacecraft to be more cost-effective once they are attached to them by reducing the dependency of the spacecraft on the other propulsion types such as hydrogen fuels.
- Electrothermal Engines
Electrothermal engines are among the most interesting kinds of propulsion known by humans. It is primarily because the electrothermal engines do not depend on traditional fuels such as petroleum.
These engines take the help of a nozzle that generates heat with the help of spacecraft engines which is known as linear motion. The primary reason for designing a nozzle is to pass the heat being generated by the spacecraft’s engines to the smaller areas.
Later, the generated heat helps in producing force for the spacecraft that results in lifting it above the Earth’s atmosphere.
Conclusion
Currently, there are several advancements taking place in the space sector and working toward making the propulsion system more effective and cheaper. These developments are supposed to provide momentum to the propulsion system market in the coming years.
