On 2012.10.19 08:19, Gus 8P6SM wrote:
On 10/18/2012 06:16 PM, STeve Andre' wrote:
It absolutely could be done -- with the right amount of money. I'm not sure that a kick motor would ultimately be cheaper than a flight designed to get something into HEO, nor as safe.
I think the problem with traditional kick motors is that they're big and heavy. Pretty much mandating a Fridge-Sat, not a Rubik-Sat. Other propulsion systems may be better suited to a small format.
I wonder what would happen if you electrically detonated a large firearms cartridge in a small satellite. I mean, exactly how much of a 'kick' do you need to get a small satellite up to a reasonable height? Perhaps this is an experiment some university should conduct.
Here's also interesting concept and figures:
http://nextbigfuture.com/2012/02/electrolysis-propulsion-for-cubesat.html
73! Zilvis LY2SS