The next ESA satellite is moving on butane

The next ESA satellite is moving on butane

ESA's smallest satellite: 6-bit CubeSat GomX-4B will demonstrate miniature technology

The future miniature satellite of ESA (European Space Agency) for the first time will be able to measure the orbit. Thanks to the compact engine, the small structure is able to fly around its twin to check the radio link.

February 2, the satellite and its Chinese partner are preparing to launch. GomX-4B is created from 6 standard 10-centimeter CubeSat blocks. ESA is testing these technologies to produce tiny designs that save money and time to launch.

The main goal is to check the radio link at various distances, route information from one satellite to another, and then send it to Earth. GomX-4A (Denmark) will remain in its location until GomX-4B performs maneuvers in a distance of 4,500 km.

Thrusters from the Swedish company NanoSpace will allow you to adjust the movement at a speed of 15 m / s. The design has two fuel tanks under pressure, connected to two pairs of engines.

Instead of burning propellant use “cold gas”. It is easier and more economical. The fuel is stored under pressure and then released through a tiny rocket nozzle. The use of liquid butane allows you to achieve a significant change in speed.

The next ESA satellite is moving on butane

GomX-4B will check inter-satellite communications and propulsion control of the orbit for future operations with GomX-4A

Such storage of liquid allows you to pack as many molecules as possible inside the butane within a small volume. Its liquid form is 1000 times denser than gas. Engines start in pairs, but can function individually for several minutes or up to an hour.

All the necessary elements were installed on a microcircuit with parameters 1 x 2 cm and 1 mm thick. NanoSpace already has experience of flying with a cold gas engine. This is the smaller version of the TW-1 in China (2015).

The next ESA satellite is moving on butane

The GomX-4B includes two Half-CubeSat units on one side of the nanosatellite and two spherical titanium tanks filled with liquid butane. Present and 4 engines with a capacity of 1 mN, activated pairs.

During the mission, the team plans to demonstrate various methods of work. It is important to show that the structure can survive in space. NanoSpace started as a sales department from a Swedish university. Last year they were bought by the Danish company GomSpace.

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