[FPSPACE] Experimental Study of a Lorentz Actuated Orbit

[LARRY KLAES]

Experimental Study of a Lorentz Actuated Orbit

Authors: William R. Gorman, James D. Brownridge, Mason Peck

(Submitted on 21 May 2008)

Abstract: This experimental study investigates a new technique to keep a 
satellite in orbit utilizing electrodynamics. The technique consists of 
establishing a charge on a satellite such that the body's motion through a 
planetary magnetic field induces acceleration via the Lorentz force.

In order to find the relationship between capacitance and power required to 
balance incident plasma current, various objects were tested in high vacuum, 
plasma, and Xenon gas to determine their ability to hold charge. Radioactive 
material (Am-241) and pyroelectric crystals were tested as a candidate power 
source for charging the objects. Microscopic arcing was observed at voltages 
as low as -300 V. This arcing caused solder to explode off of the object. 
Insulating the object allowed the charge to remain on the object longer, 
while in the plasma, and also eliminated the arcing. However, this 
insulation does not allow a net charge to reside on the surface of the 
spacecraft.

Comments:  4 pages, 3 figures, work from thesis

Subjects:  Plasma Physics (physics.plasm-ph)

Cite as:  arXiv:0805.3332v1 [physics.plasm-ph]

Submission history

From: William Gorman [view email]

[v1] Wed, 21 May 2008 19:24:15 GMT (171kb)

http://arxiv.org/abs/0805.3332