Institute of Aeronautical Engineering

Aerospace Propulsion

Topic- Solar Thermal Propulsion for

Small Spacecrafts
By:
S.Venkata Ruthwik
Aero_B
21951A21B4
Solar Thermal Propulsion For Small Spacecraft
Introduction to Solar Thermal Propulsion for Small
Spacecraft
Solar thermal propulsion is a propulsion system
that utilizes the heat from the Sun to generate
thrust for small spacecraft.

This technology offers potential advantages

such as higher specific impulse, lower
propellant mass, and longer mission durations.

Solar thermal propulsion can enable small

spacecraft to explore new frontiers and perform
complex maneuvers in space.

1
How Solar Thermal Propulsion Works

Solar thermal propulsion works by using

concentrated sunlight to heat a propellant,
usually a gas, in a thermal engine.

The heated propellant expands and is expelled

through a nozzle, generating thrust.

The use of concentrated sunlight allows for

higher temperatures and more efficient
propulsion compared to traditional chemical
rockets.

2
Advantages of Solar Thermal Propulsion

Higher specific impulse: Solar thermal propulsion can achieve higher specific
impulse, resulting in more efficient propulsion and longer mission durations.

Lower propellant mass: The higher specific impulse allows for less propellant
mass to be carried, reducing the overall spacecraft mass.

Increased maneuverability: Solar thermal propulsion enables small spacecraft to

perform complex maneuvers, such as orbital changes and trajectory
adjustments.

3
Applications of Solar Thermal Propulsion

Interplanetary missions: Solar thermal

propulsion can enable small spacecraft to reach
distant destinations, such as Mars or the outer
planets.

Orbital maneuvering: Small spacecraft equipped

with solar thermal propulsion can perform
precise orbital changes and station-keeping
maneuvers.

Formation flying: Solar thermal propulsion

allows for coordinated movements between
multiple spacecraft, enabling formation flying
missions.
4
Challenges of Solar Thermal Propulsion

Thermal management: Efficient heat transfer and thermal control systems are required to
manage the high temperatures generated by concentrated sunlight.

System integration: Integrating solar thermal propulsion systems with small spacecraft
platforms can be challenging due to space and power constraints.

Propellant efficiency: Optimizing the performance and efficiency of the propellant used
in solar thermal propulsion systems is an ongoing research area.

5
Recent Developments in Solar Thermal Propulsion

NASA's Sunjammer mission: Sunjammer, a

planned NASA mission, aims to demonstrate
solar thermal propulsion for large-scale solar
sails.

CubeSail: The CubeSail mission, led by the

University of Surrey, aims to demonstrate solar
thermal propulsion for small spacecraft using a
deployable sail.

Research advancements: Ongoing research is

focused on improving the efficiency, scalability,
and integration of solar thermal propulsion
systems.
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Future Prospects of Solar Thermal Propulsion

Enhanced interplanetary missions: Solar thermal propulsion can enable small spacecraft to explore
new frontiers, such as the outer solar system and beyond.

Increased mission durations: The high specific impulse of solar thermal propulsion can extend
mission durations, allowing for more in-depth scientific investigations.

Advancements in technology: Continued research and development can lead to more efficient and
compact solar thermal propulsion systems for small spacecraft.

7
Conclusion

Solar thermal propulsion offers exciting possibilities for small spacecraft, providing higher
specific impulse, lower propellant mass, and increased maneuverability.

Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on overcoming challenges and
improving the efficiency and integration of solar thermal propulsion systems.

With further advancements, solar thermal propulsion can revolutionize interplanetary

exploration and enable small spacecraft to reach new frontiers.

8
References

Johnson, L., et al. (2013). "Solar Thermal Propulsion Technology Development at the NASA
Glenn Research Center." AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum.

Piekutowski, A. J., & Martin, A. R. (2014). "Solar Thermal Propulsion for Robotic Missions to
the Outer Planets." Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 51(5), 1536-1544.

Rauschenbach, H., & Seboldt, W. (2018). "Solar Thermal Propulsion—A Review." Aerospace,
5(2), 68.