RRAM-based Low-Power Neuromorphic Computing Engine for Space Applications

With recent breakthroughs in AI and deep learning, applying these techniques to on-board computers for space applications has grown in interest to engineers on space applications. The space field brings its own challenges, such as reliability and power restrictions. The proposed solution in this work concerns a neuromorphic accelerator for a...

Preliminary Design of a Small Hydrogen Peroxide Cooled Thrust Chamber for Additive Manufacturing

As a part of a <i>Future Launcher Preparatory Programme</i> contract issued by the European Space Agency, the aerospace startup company Dawn Aerospace is developing an integral, additive manufactured (AM), liquid rocket engine. This 2.5 kN class engine is propelled by the storable propellants 90% hydrogen peroxide and kerosene and used in the...

Transient Thermal Modelling of Cooling Methods in Green Bi-Propellant Thrusters for CubeSat Applications: A numerical and experimental comparison of regenerative cooling and radiation cooling in a CubeSat scale propulsion system

The Dutch/New Zealand based aerospace company Dawn aerospace has developed a 0.5N green bi-propellant propulsion system for use in CubeSat applications called the PM200. This thruster uses gaseous nitrous oxide and propylene as propellants. Currently, the burn time of this thruster is limited to 10 seconds after which cool down of the thruster...

Total magnetic force on a ferrofluid droplet in microgravity

The formulation of the total force exerted by magnetic fields on ferrofluids has historically been a subject of intense debate and controversy. Although the theoretical foundations of this problem can now be considered to be well established, significant confusion still remains regarding the implementation of the associated expressions....

Guidance and Control of a Spacecraft Swarm with Limited Knowledge

There is no doubt that the smallest spacecraft platforms (CubeSats, NanoSats and microsats) are revolutionizing the market. The possibilities of developing spacecraft through standard platforms, commercial of the shelf components and then reduced the costs of development has allowed new organizations to enter the space section. On top of that,...

Systems Engineering for University Satellite Projects

Many universities have ventured into the design of satellites as educational projects. The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has a rich history in this ?eld with the Del?-C3 and Del?-n3Xt projects. Currently the Del? programme is working on its third project DelFFi. Applying and researching systems engineering has been a major part of...

Collision analysis and mitigation for distributed space systems

Collision analysis and mitigation performed for the QB50 mission. The aim of this thesis report is to identify which mitigation strategies are most suitable for a network of uncontrollable satellites. Furthermore, the aim is to set-out a method to determine the collision probability for a network of uncontrollable satellites, and identify the...

Filtering techniques for orbital debris conjunction analysis

The steadily growing amount of orbital debris increases the probability and amount of collisions between two objects in orbit about the Earth. These collisions in turn create even more debris, and it is therefore important to keep track of future conjunctions. The U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN) uses ground- and space-based sensors to...