Performance evaluation of micropropulsion systems with the application of Active Debris Removal

Recent micropropulsion developments have increased the operational capabilities of microsatellites (< 100 kg), to the point where they are being considered for demanding missions such as Active Debris Removal (ADR).This study examines the state-of-the-art micropropulsion options that can be applied to a microsatellite performing a range of orbital manoeuvres such as ADR.To this end a generic system architecture is used for this example scenario with ranging delta-v requirements.A variety of propulsion systems are sized accordingly, and the trade-offs between the differing propulsion technologies evaluated with respect to the power requirements, System-Specific Impulse ( [ ]), and technology readiness level (TRL), as well as a 'newly defined' volume driven System-Specific Impulse ( [