RAM Electric Propulsion for Low Earth Orbit Operation: an ESA study.

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of the RAM-EP system concept study. The study involved the investigation of the feasibility of using electric propulsion together with gas collected from the atmosphere to provide thrust to counteract the S/C altitude decay caused by drag. This is in order to allow orbit altitude control with a defined thrust profile and within the typical budgets of an Earth Observation type of mission. The final objective was to enable low altitude missions (below at least 250 km) and / or long lifetime missions above 250 km. Moreover the study aimed to apply the concept to a reference technology demonstration mission that could be of interest for Earth Observation.