COMMERCIAL GEOSYNCHRONOUS SATELLITE SERVICING
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Authors
Hill, Rachel P.
Subjects
space
on orbit refueling
satellite refueling
geosynchronous
commercial satellite
satellite servicing
on orbit refueling
satellite refueling
geosynchronous
commercial satellite
satellite servicing
Advisors
Racoosin, Charles M.
Date of Issue
2020-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
On-orbit servicing (OOS) of satellites has been a significant goal since the early 1980s. Once considered feasible for satellites operating in low earth orbit (LEO) when the space shuttle program was operational, providing OOS for satellites operating in geostationary orbit (GEO) always has been beyond reach. The advancement of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) has finally opened up the possibility of OOS for all orbital regimes. The aim of this thesis is to investigate what has been already proposed for OOS, identify the initial satellite subsystems that could benefit from OOS missions, and determine whether or not OOS can be made to be cost effective. By tracking and categorizing on-orbit satellite failures, a pattern begins to emerge about which subsystems are more likely to fail on orbit. From there, subsystem hardware components can be identified for potential replacement on legacy satellites and for design modification. Proving the ability to service legacy satellites will pave the future of satellite design and capability. Ideally, as the technology progresses, all satellites will move to a more modular design thus saving money and materials. By using current models and cost analysis, the feasibility of OOS can be demonstrated.
Type
Thesis
Description
Student Thesis (NPS NRP Project Related)
Series/Report No
Department
Space Systems Academic Group (SP)
Organization
Naval Research Program (NRP)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
N2/N6 - Information Warfare
Funder
This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrp
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.