EM modelling of RF propagation through plasma plumes

Author

Pandolfo, L. ; Bandinelli, M. ; Quijano, J. L Araque ; Vecchi, G. ; Pawlak, H. ; Marliani, F.

Author_Institution

IDS Ing. Dei Sist. S.p.A, Pisa, Italy

fYear

2012

fDate

21-23 May 2012

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

7

Abstract

Electric propulsion is a commercially attractive solution for attitude and position control of geostationary satellites. Hall-effect ion thrusters generate a localized plasma flow in the surrounding of the satellite, whose impact on the communication system needs to be qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. An electromagnetic modelling tool has been developed and integrated into the Antenna Design Framework - ElectroMagnetic Satellite (ADF-EMS). The system is able to guide the user from the plume definition phases through plume installation and simulation. A validation activity has been carried out and the system has been applied to the plume modulation analysis of SGEO/Hispasat mission.

Keywords

aerospace instrumentation; aerospace propulsion; satellite antennas; EM modelling; Hall-effect ion thrusters; RF propagation; SGEO/Hispasat mission; antenna design framework; attitude control; electric propulsion; electromagnetic modelling tool; electromagnetic satellite; geostationary satellites; localized plasma flow; plasma plumes; plume definition phases; plume installation; plume modulation analysis; position control; Apertures; Graphical user interfaces; Plasmas; Satellites; Solid modeling; Vectors;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Aerospace EMC, 2012 Proceedings ESA Workshop on

Conference_Location

Venice

Print_ISBN

978-1-4673-0302-6

Type

conf

Filename

6232561