Centrifugal Relays For Spacecraft Propulsion

C. E. Singer, F. R. Singer. (1991), JBIS, 44, pp.127-134

Refcode: 1991.44.127

Abstract:

Our topic is the use of centrifugal launchers as energy and momentum sources for spaceborne propulsion systems. The ultimate purpose is to discuss the potential of a new propulsion concept involving centrifugal relays, beginning with a discussion of a previous proposal for using centrifugal launchers in space and of related concepts. In this context, the limitations of simple centrifugal launchers are discussed, followed by a description of the centrifugal relay concept which shows quantitative kinematic results for a particular mission profile. The development of these kinematic results illustrates why the centrifugal relay concept is an interesting idea. The kinematics derivation may also be of help to researchers who might want to attack the kinematics of more complicated and/or fully optimized launches. A brief qualitative discussion of the remarkable variety of potentially interesting types of more complicated centrifugal relay application then follows.