Design of a normally closed MEMS- microvalve for micropropulsion systems in PocketQube satellites

There is a growing demand for nano-satellite missions that require advancements in micro-propulsion capabilities to facilitate a wider range of orbital maneuvers. Among these capabilities, the ability to accurately control thrust would unlock new possibilities for nano-satellite applications, including missions such as space debris removal and...

Solving Combinatorial Space-Routing Problems Using Mixed-Integer Linear Problem Solvers

With the development of space research into novel areas, new complex problems arise. The interest in solving space routing problems considering large numbers of targets has recently grown. This paper proposes a novel method to solve the optimal trajectory in such combinatorial space routing problems. This paper focuses on a global optimisation...

Geodetic parameter estimation for small-satellite small-body missions: An uncertainty-driven approach

This thesis work has been motivated by the growing interest in small-spacecraft small-body missions and more specifically inspired by a proposed mission to the largest Martian Trojan (5261) Eureka. This binary asteroid represents a promising target for a planetary mission, as a better understanding of its formation and evolution would provide...

Building on Mars: An Evolvable Design Strategy for the Architectural Engineer

Humans are going to Mars and the plan is to achieve this within the next couple of decades. In mission architectures the habitat is considered a sub-system in the overall mission’s system architecture. In current mission engineering, the crew’s psychology is barely considered in the design of the mission. In aerospace engineering, one refers to...

Fast computation of SEP transfers to Mars using analytic curve-fit functions

The increasing interest in solar electric propulsion techniques, that enable significant propellant mass savings for a wide class of transfers, has brought about a revolution in the approach to trajectory design and optimization, as a result of the complexity and diversity of the problem. To date, solutions of different nature exist, but...