Mission And System Optimization Analysis Of Geosynchronous Satellite Based On Arcjet Thruster

In order to promote the progress of application on the geosynchronous (GEO) satellite, the analysis of mission dynamics for geosynchronous (GEO) satellite during orbit transfer and operation in orbit, selection of orbit transfer schemtic, and solution of orbit transfer flight equation are studied and analysed in the paper, then the GEO plateform (NextGEOSat Plus) has been designed based on Arcjet propulsion system. At the same time, the mathematical models of satellite plateform, propulsion subsystems, Arcjet thruster, power, mass, environment and eclipse period have been built. Optimization of system and mission (orbit transfer and north-south station keeping) based on genetic algorithm (GA) about GEO satellite using Arcjet propulsion sysytem has been probed. The results illustrate that the Arcjet propulsion system can be used to OT and NSSK of the GEO satellite. It appears to be a very attractive option to drastically increase payload mass, or to decrease launch cost, or to extend the lifetime of satellite. The results show that the time of Orbit Transfer is 149 days with four 1600W Arcjets to carry out orbit transfer, when the burning arc angle is 60°. The mass of propellant can reduce 28.4% and the mass of payload can increase 153% with four 1600W Arcjets to carry out orbit transfer and four 200W Arcjets to perform north-south station keeping during the period of 15 years lifetime.The Arcjet propulsion sysytem used to perform orbit transfer and north-south station keeping for GEO satellite has some particular advantages and can bring in numerous commercial profits. The orbit transfer time can be reduced in many ways. At the same time, The Arcjet propulsion system has a potential prospect of application in the future, such as drag make-up and solar pressure cancellation for low orbit spacecraft, formation flying and precise positioning for constellation, main propulsion for interplanetary, and so on.