Electrostatic E-Glider study targets propellant-free moon operations

(SpaceEnergy) Researchers have extended an electrostatic spacecraft concept to the Moon, Phobos, Deimos and other airless bodies, finding it could support hovering and local manoeuvres without conventional propulsion.

The E-Glider concept uses electrically biased spacecraft elements to interact with the plasma surrounding an airless body. By varying their electrostatic potentials, the spacecraft can create artificial equilibrium points for station-keeping and close-proximity operations.

The study, published in the Journal of Electric Propulsion, couples particle-in-cell plasma modelling with dynamical analysis and calculates the electrical power needed to maintain equilibrium at different operating points.

Researchers found that smaller bodies such as Phobos and Deimos require relatively modest energy inputs because of their weaker gravity. Larger bodies including Earth's Moon require higher electrical potentials, increasing demands on spacecraft power systems.

The modelling indicates relatively low power requirements around Phobos because of the tenuous solar-wind plasma, although the calculation excludes power consumed by onboard electronics.

The authors said the concept could enable station-keeping and proximity operations without conventional propulsion where plasma conditions permit sufficient electrostatic interaction. Future work will address feedback control, structural stability, energy consumption and changing solar-wind conditions.