ProSEDS May Tie-In to ISS Propulsion
NASA plans to begin development of a Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System, or ProSEDS. Instead of using propellant, ProSEDS will use the Earth's magnetic field to speed up or slow down spacecraft. The system consists of a tether which is lowered into the upper atmosphere. The tether creates a current, which creates an electric field. The electric field then interacts with the Earth's magnetic field. Depending on how the tether is oriented, the magnetic field can act as a force on the tether system to speed it up or slow it down. ProSEDS is an example of a propellant-free system which can help save money on the International Space Station. NASA plans on sending propellant to the station for periodic orbital reboosts because of slight atmospheric drag. If the tether system works, then NASA won't have to worry about orbital reboosts; the tether will continually take care of it.What's New on the Site?
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