ACTA AERONAUTICAET ASTRONAUTICA SINICA >
Spacecraft in upper atmosphere: Research development and aerodynamic challenges
Received date: 2024-01-29
Revised date: 2024-03-21
Accepted date: 2024-04-16
Online published: 2024-04-30
Supported by
China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M741912)
Research into spacecraft in the upper atmosphere can not only contribute to the development of upper-atmosphere aerodynamics but also exploit the upper atmosphere ranged from 100 km to 300 km， consequently making significant progress in such military and civilian technology as earth observation and radio communication， and filling the void that there is not yet long-term and maneuverable spacecraft operating in the upper atmosphere. This paper provides a comprehensive review of research situation and development related to the spacecraft in the upper atmosphere， by highlighting the three technique challenges involved in aerodynamic design and propulsion system， namely accurate modelling of the interaction of upper atmosphere with spacecraft surface， wide-range design of efficient inlet for gas collection and compression in the Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion （ABEP） system， and efficient ionization and acceleration in the ABEP system subjected to limited energy source. Moreover， some possible solutions have been proposed to overcome these challenges. Comments have been provided， when possible， to help the reader to identify present development and future challenges for spacecraft in the upper atmosphere with regards to aerodynamic design and propulsion. This review aims at providing some reference for researchers in related fields， thereby facilitating original research and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
Xuhong JIN , Fei HUANG , Jun ZHANG , Xuede WANG , Xiaoli CHENG , Qing SHEN . Spacecraft in upper atmosphere: Research development and aerodynamic challenges[J]. ACTA AERONAUTICAET ASTRONAUTICA SINICA, 2024 , 45(22) : 30254 -030254 . DOI: 10.7527/S1000-6893.2024.30254
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