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Library > Fact Sheets > AFOSR: Space Power and Propulsion
AFOSR: SPACE POWER AND PROPULSION
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Aerospace, Chemical and Material Sciences Directorate
Space Power and Propulsion
Dr. Mitat Birkan, Program Manager
Research activities fall into three areas: non-chemical launch and in-space propulsion, chemical propulsion, and plume signatures/contamination resulting from both chemical and non-chemical propulsion. Research in the first area is directed primarily at advanced space propulsion, and is stimulated by the need to transfer payloads between orbits, station-keeping, and pointing, including macro- and nano-satellite propulsion. It includes studies of the sources of physical (non-chemical) energy and the mechanisms of release. Emphasis is on understanding electrically conductive flowing propellants (plasmas or charged particles) that serve to convert beamed or electrical energy into kinetic form.
Theoretical and experimental investigations focus on the phenomenon of energy coupling and the transfer of plasma flows in electrode and electrodeless systems under dynamic environments. Studies to enable revolutionary designs of satellite systems that can achieve the simultaneous objectives of increasing payload and/or time in orbit and increasing mission flexibility and scope are of interest. Research sought on methods to predict and suppress combustion instabilities under supercritical conditions, and develop research models that can be incorporated into the design codes. Research activities include fundamental component and system level research that leads to the introduction of novel multi-use technologies and concepts, and their efficient integration at various length scales, in order to achieve multifunctional satellite architectures.
Areas of research interest may include, but are not limited to: (1) design and testing of compact, highly efficient and robust chemical or electric propulsion systems with minimal power conditioning requirements; (2) demonstration of innovative uses of power and/or propulsion systems for sensing, communication, or other applications; (3) development of highly efficient power generation/recovery systems (e.g. MEMS turbines, nano-structured thermoelectric units) deeply integrated with thermal management or spacecraft structure; (4) innovative processes that transform structural material into high energy density propellant (e.g. phase change, or even biological process); (5) novel energetic materials; and (6) development of modeling and simulation capabilities at all relevant scales.
Contact:
Dr. Mitat A. Birkan
AFOSR/NA
Tele: (703) 696-7234
DSN 426-7234
FAX (703) 696-8451
Email: mitat.birkan@afosr.af.mil
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