UoGAS - A Get Away Special Satellite with Orbit-Raising Capability

The low cost of satellite deployment from Shuttle GAS canister makes it an attractive launch option. However, the low deployment altitude severely constrains lifetime so the UoGAS (University of Surrey Get Away Special) spacecraft will incorporate a propulsion system. Lifetime extension methods are considered and a start-of-mission orbit-raising manoeuvre is selected. An orbit dynamics simulation method (taking into account the atmospheric drag) is discussed and results presented. Mission profiles, propulsion systems (including colloid, resistojet and cold gas thrusters, as well as a novel hybrid bipropellant combination) and stabilisation options are discussed: an aerodynamically stabilised vehicle with a resistojet propulsion system is suggested and some design aspects of the satellite systems are discussed.