Japanese space agency JAXA has successfully demonstrated use of steam to propel spacecraft that was launched as one of the payloads aboard NASA¡¯s Orion spacecraft.
This feat goes down in history as the world¡¯s first successful orbit control beyond low-Earth orbit using a water propellant propulsion system, according to JAXA.
The feat was achieved using its CubeSat EqUilibriUm Lunar Earth point 6U Spacecraft, which performed the necessary manoeuvers to be in its planned orbit towards the second Earth-Moon Lagrange point (EML2) -- a position located beyond the moon.
To the unaware, Lagrangian points are locations in space where gravity and centrifugal force balance each other. The balance of the forces at this spot allows the spacecraft to remain in place.?
Researchers are particularly curious about EML2 as a candidate construction place for a deep spaceport for deep space exploration in the future. Staying for extended periods of time at EML2 beyond the Moon could offer important radiation shielding for long-duration missions, according to experts.
According to JAXA, spacecraft departing from EML2 can transfer to various orbits such as Earth orbits, Moon orbits and interplanetary orbits with a small amount of orbital control.
EQUULEUS is expected to reach the Lagrange point EML2 in around 1.5 years. It was designed to showcase low-energy trajectory control tech to reach EML2.?
Professor Ryu Funase from the Jaxa Institute of Space and Astronautical Science said in a statement, ¡°This was a difficult operation that had to be successful. I am proud of the EQUULEUS operation team, who were able to immediately complete the orbital control necessary for the lunar fly-by, just one day after the checkout operation shortly after launch.¡±
Funase added, ¡°I feel we were able to succeed in this critical operation due to their careful preparation, including numerous back-up plans, and the ability to respond flexibly through training. We are now at the start line of the long voyage to the Lagrange point.¡±
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