Experimental Study of a Lorentz Actuated Orbit

TL;DR

This study explores a novel electrodynamic satellite orbit control method using Lorentz force, testing charge retention techniques and power sources in various environments to optimize satellite charge management.

Contribution

It introduces experimental insights into charge retention and power sourcing for Lorentz-actuated satellites, highlighting the effects of insulation and plasma conditions.

Findings

Microscopic arcing occurs at voltages as low as -300 V.

Insulation prolongs charge retention and prevents arcing.

Charging in plasma without insulation prevents net charge accumulation.

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.