Leopold Summerer | Space Science Faculty of ESA (original) (raw)

Papers by Leopold Summerer

Research paper thumbnail of The LunaRace-a public outreach, involvement, education and support mission

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Research paper thumbnail of Solar Power Satellite using Small Satellites

Abstract We fortunately succeeded in the JAXA/ISAS sounding rocket experiment on the “Furoshiki” ... more Abstract We fortunately succeeded in the JAXA/ISAS sounding rocket experiment on the “Furoshiki” deployment, the retrodirective antenna and the crawling robots on the deployed mesh in January, 2006, as we presented the result at the last IAC in Valencia. The S-310-36 sounding rocket was launched to verify our newly proposed scheme to construct huge structures under microgravity condition in space.

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Research paper thumbnail of A new HTGR design for interplanetary space applications

ABSTRACT A preliminary feasibility study of a high temperature nuclear fission reactor for space ... more ABSTRACT A preliminary feasibility study of a high temperature nuclear fission reactor for space applications is here presented with the following requirements: high reliability, R&D program of moderate cost, development in a reasonable period of time, 10 years without human intervention operability and controllability, terrestrial applicability, or at least common technology sharing, applicability for human settlements on a solar system planet.

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Research paper thumbnail of IAC-06-D2. 8.8 A LUNAR IPWR: A PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY

ABSTRACT Fission power systems are well suited to provide safe, reliable, and economic power with... more ABSTRACT Fission power systems are well suited to provide safe, reliable, and economic power within the range of 100 kWe. The goal of this research program is to carry out a feasibility study of a nuclear fission reactor suited for space applications. These refer either to electrical power production for stationary settlements (manned or unmanned) on some planet, or deep space planetary surfaces, or satellites (Mars, Moon). The reactor here proposed is a surface reactor both for the moon and mars.

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Research paper thumbnail of Low power HTGR for interplanetary space missions: pre-design phase

ABSTRACT Nuclear power systems, thanks to their features of safety, efficiency and reliability ar... more ABSTRACT Nuclear power systems, thanks to their features of safety, efficiency and reliability are well suited to provide electric power within the range demanded from the near future space exploration programs (10-100 KW).

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Research paper thumbnail of Claudio Bombardelli, Hodei Urrutxua, Jesus Pelaez, Mario Merino, Eduardo Ahedo

Among the different strategies to actively remove space debris from low and geostationary Earth o... more Among the different strategies to actively remove space debris from low and geostationary Earth orbits, it has been recently proposed to use a highly collimated neutralized plasma beam pointed at a generic debris from a nearby" shepherd satellite" to perform a contactless deorbiting or re-orbiting manoeuvre. A key aspect of such removal concept is the need to stabilize the relative position of the co-orbital debris-shepherd system throughout the orbital transfer manoeuvre and prevent accidental collisions.

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Research paper thumbnail of Design OF Earth-Mars Transfer Trajectories Using Evolution-Branching

ABSTRACT In this paper a novel global optimisation approach is used to look for potentially inter... more ABSTRACT In this paper a novel global optimisation approach is used to look for potentially interesting solutions for a mission to Mars. The approach blends the characteristics of evolution programming with the systematic search, typical of branching techniques. Solutions for a roundtrip to Mars, either direct or via Venus, considering long and short stays on Mars or free-return trajectories are considered providing a comprehensive view of all the opportunities in a wide range of launch dates.

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Research paper thumbnail of Estimate of radiation safety of emergency atmospheric reentry of radioisotope thermal generators used for space applications

ABSTRACT In estimating radiation safety of radioisotopic thermoelectric generators (RTG) for spac... more ABSTRACT In estimating radiation safety of radioisotopic thermoelectric generators (RTG) for space applications, principle 3b of the “Principles relevant to use of nuclear power sources in outer space”, adopted by the United Nations in 1992, is applied. This principle implies that the system of protective shells around the radioisotopic material in the event of emergency re-entry and impact on the Earth's surface should guarantee that the radioisotopic material does not enter the ambient medium.

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Research paper thumbnail of Concepts for wireless energy transmission via laser

The present paper intends to link several disciplines in an attempt to describe an application of... more The present paper intends to link several disciplines in an attempt to describe an application of optical systems slightly out of their mainstream applications. Back in the middle age, optics, then the “science of light” has been fundamental in understanding our universe and changing our perspective of our place in it.

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Research paper thumbnail of THE NTER: A PROPOSED INNOVATIVE PROPULSION CONCEPT FOR MANNED INTERPLANETARY MISSIONS

Abstract Conventional propulsion technology (chemical and electric) currently limits the possibil... more Abstract Conventional propulsion technology (chemical and electric) currently limits the possibilities for human space exploration to the neighbourhood of the Earth. If farther destinations (such as Mars) are to be reached with humans on board, a more capable interplanetary transfer engine featuring high thrust, high specific impulse is required.

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Research paper thumbnail of Low-thrust Missions for Expanding Foam Space Debris Removal

Abstract: Active space debris removal missions are a necessary way to control and reduce debris g... more Abstract: Active space debris removal missions are a necessary way to control and reduce debris growth, in order to permit future sustainable space activities. The method here proposed can be classified as a momentum exchange method, and in particular it can be thought as a drag augmentation system.

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Research paper thumbnail of ANALYSIS OF NEAR-FIELD WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSION FOR FRACTIONATED SPACECRAFT APPLICATIONS

The modular design of a fractionated spacecraft is intended to avoid drawbacks inherent to monoli... more The modular design of a fractionated spacecraft is intended to avoid drawbacks inherent to monolithic designs such as subsystem failure, expensive designs, underestimated costs, expensive launches and over-complex systems. Since the power systems represent one of the main mass and volume drivers of spacecraft, one of the key technologies required for truly fractionated architectures is the ability to distribute power wirelessly between spacecraft depending on the respective power needs over time.

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Research paper thumbnail of Non-Perturbative Effects in Complex Gravitationally Bound Systems

General relativity, the geometric formulation of gravitational interactions, today is well accept... more General relativity, the geometric formulation of gravitational interactions, today is well accepted to properly describe the dynamics of our universe on large scales [1, 2, 3]. Despite its successes, some observational facts seem to indicate a disagreement with the predictions of general relativity or force scientists to ad-hoc assumptions that remain unsatisfactory. The three most important effects of this type are:

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Research paper thumbnail of Microstructured Radiators

Controlling the spatial or temporal coherence of thermal light a hot body emits when it relaxes t... more Controlling the spatial or temporal coherence of thermal light a hot body emits when it relaxes to lower states is undoubtedly one of major objectives for improving the efficiency of numerous actual technologies such as thermophotovoltaïc conversion devices, radiative cooling systems, infrared gas sensors and highly directional/narrow band thermal radiators. Until recently thermal sources were considered as objects that were able to emit light only over a broad band of the infrared spectrum.

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Research paper thumbnail of Signs of Potentially Disruptive Innovation in the Space Sector

This paper reviews and analyses some specific conditions for innovation in the European space sec... more This paper reviews and analyses some specific conditions for innovation in the European space sector. Innovation has enabled the first steps of humans into space and remained a key central parameter ever since. On the other hand, the space sector lacks key parameters encouraging innovation. While governments have put in place instruments to overcome these deficiencies, the current mechanisms seem to address mainly incremental/sustaining innovation.

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Research paper thumbnail of Strathprints Institutional Repository

This paper presents the conceptual design of multiple spacecraft system for the use of deflecting... more This paper presents the conceptual design of multiple spacecraft system for the use of deflecting Near Earth Asteroids. Each spacecraft is equipped with a solar concentrator assembly, which focuses the solar light, and a beaming system that projects a beam of light onto the surface of the asteroid. When the beams from each spacecraft are superimposed, the temperature on the surface is enough to sublimate the rock, creating a debris plume with enough force to slowly alter the orbit of Apophis.

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Research paper thumbnail of Où capter l’énergie solaire? Comparaison des concepts spatiaux et terrestres

L'énergie solaire compte parmi les sources d'énergie les plus prometteuses pour couvrir nos besoi... more L'énergie solaire compte parmi les sources d'énergie les plus prometteuses pour couvrir nos besoins énergétiques en constante augmentation. Le rôle encore quasi négligeable de l'énergie solaire dans le système énergétique actuel est dû à plusieurs facteurs, exposés dans cet article. Ces inconvénients sont en partie liés au lieu de sa conversion: la surface de la Terre.

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Research paper thumbnail of Orbiter Demonstration Plan for Solar Power Satellite of Sandwich Type

Abstract We fortunately succeeded in the JAXA/ISAS sounding rocket experiment on the “Furoshiki” ... more Abstract We fortunately succeeded in the JAXA/ISAS sounding rocket experiment on the “Furoshiki” deployment, the retrodirective antenna and the crawling robots on the deployed mesh in January, 2006, as we presented the result at the last IAC in Valencia. The S-310-36 sounding rocket was launched to verify our newly proposed scheme to construct huge structures under microgravity condition in space.

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Research paper thumbnail of Gossip-based strategies in global optimization

The work we have completed was organized around two topics. The first was the investigation of th... more The work we have completed was organized around two topics. The first was the investigation of the possibilities for implementing various global optimization approaches in a peer-to-peer environment, using gossip algorithms. We compared two rather different algorithms: a branchand-bound method and particle swarm optimization. The results are presented in Chapter 2.

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Research paper thumbnail of Efficient Usage of Self Validated Integrators for Space Applications

Abstract The present report addresses the possibilities offered by validated integrators to deal ... more Abstract The present report addresses the possibilities offered by validated integrators to deal with some space problems. First, we survey previous results on validated methods for ODEs and we discuss their sharpness and efficiency, keeping in mind their suitability for space-related computations.

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Research paper thumbnail of The LunaRace-a public outreach, involvement, education and support mission

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Research paper thumbnail of Solar Power Satellite using Small Satellites

Abstract We fortunately succeeded in the JAXA/ISAS sounding rocket experiment on the “Furoshiki” ... more Abstract We fortunately succeeded in the JAXA/ISAS sounding rocket experiment on the “Furoshiki” deployment, the retrodirective antenna and the crawling robots on the deployed mesh in January, 2006, as we presented the result at the last IAC in Valencia. The S-310-36 sounding rocket was launched to verify our newly proposed scheme to construct huge structures under microgravity condition in space.

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Research paper thumbnail of A new HTGR design for interplanetary space applications

ABSTRACT A preliminary feasibility study of a high temperature nuclear fission reactor for space ... more ABSTRACT A preliminary feasibility study of a high temperature nuclear fission reactor for space applications is here presented with the following requirements: high reliability, R&D program of moderate cost, development in a reasonable period of time, 10 years without human intervention operability and controllability, terrestrial applicability, or at least common technology sharing, applicability for human settlements on a solar system planet.

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Research paper thumbnail of IAC-06-D2. 8.8 A LUNAR IPWR: A PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY

ABSTRACT Fission power systems are well suited to provide safe, reliable, and economic power with... more ABSTRACT Fission power systems are well suited to provide safe, reliable, and economic power within the range of 100 kWe. The goal of this research program is to carry out a feasibility study of a nuclear fission reactor suited for space applications. These refer either to electrical power production for stationary settlements (manned or unmanned) on some planet, or deep space planetary surfaces, or satellites (Mars, Moon). The reactor here proposed is a surface reactor both for the moon and mars.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Low power HTGR for interplanetary space missions: pre-design phase

ABSTRACT Nuclear power systems, thanks to their features of safety, efficiency and reliability ar... more ABSTRACT Nuclear power systems, thanks to their features of safety, efficiency and reliability are well suited to provide electric power within the range demanded from the near future space exploration programs (10-100 KW).

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Claudio Bombardelli, Hodei Urrutxua, Jesus Pelaez, Mario Merino, Eduardo Ahedo

Among the different strategies to actively remove space debris from low and geostationary Earth o... more Among the different strategies to actively remove space debris from low and geostationary Earth orbits, it has been recently proposed to use a highly collimated neutralized plasma beam pointed at a generic debris from a nearby" shepherd satellite" to perform a contactless deorbiting or re-orbiting manoeuvre. A key aspect of such removal concept is the need to stabilize the relative position of the co-orbital debris-shepherd system throughout the orbital transfer manoeuvre and prevent accidental collisions.

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Research paper thumbnail of Design OF Earth-Mars Transfer Trajectories Using Evolution-Branching

ABSTRACT In this paper a novel global optimisation approach is used to look for potentially inter... more ABSTRACT In this paper a novel global optimisation approach is used to look for potentially interesting solutions for a mission to Mars. The approach blends the characteristics of evolution programming with the systematic search, typical of branching techniques. Solutions for a roundtrip to Mars, either direct or via Venus, considering long and short stays on Mars or free-return trajectories are considered providing a comprehensive view of all the opportunities in a wide range of launch dates.

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Research paper thumbnail of Estimate of radiation safety of emergency atmospheric reentry of radioisotope thermal generators used for space applications

ABSTRACT In estimating radiation safety of radioisotopic thermoelectric generators (RTG) for spac... more ABSTRACT In estimating radiation safety of radioisotopic thermoelectric generators (RTG) for space applications, principle 3b of the “Principles relevant to use of nuclear power sources in outer space”, adopted by the United Nations in 1992, is applied. This principle implies that the system of protective shells around the radioisotopic material in the event of emergency re-entry and impact on the Earth's surface should guarantee that the radioisotopic material does not enter the ambient medium.

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Research paper thumbnail of Concepts for wireless energy transmission via laser

The present paper intends to link several disciplines in an attempt to describe an application of... more The present paper intends to link several disciplines in an attempt to describe an application of optical systems slightly out of their mainstream applications. Back in the middle age, optics, then the “science of light” has been fundamental in understanding our universe and changing our perspective of our place in it.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of THE NTER: A PROPOSED INNOVATIVE PROPULSION CONCEPT FOR MANNED INTERPLANETARY MISSIONS

Abstract Conventional propulsion technology (chemical and electric) currently limits the possibil... more Abstract Conventional propulsion technology (chemical and electric) currently limits the possibilities for human space exploration to the neighbourhood of the Earth. If farther destinations (such as Mars) are to be reached with humans on board, a more capable interplanetary transfer engine featuring high thrust, high specific impulse is required.

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Research paper thumbnail of Low-thrust Missions for Expanding Foam Space Debris Removal

Abstract: Active space debris removal missions are a necessary way to control and reduce debris g... more Abstract: Active space debris removal missions are a necessary way to control and reduce debris growth, in order to permit future sustainable space activities. The method here proposed can be classified as a momentum exchange method, and in particular it can be thought as a drag augmentation system.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of ANALYSIS OF NEAR-FIELD WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSION FOR FRACTIONATED SPACECRAFT APPLICATIONS

The modular design of a fractionated spacecraft is intended to avoid drawbacks inherent to monoli... more The modular design of a fractionated spacecraft is intended to avoid drawbacks inherent to monolithic designs such as subsystem failure, expensive designs, underestimated costs, expensive launches and over-complex systems. Since the power systems represent one of the main mass and volume drivers of spacecraft, one of the key technologies required for truly fractionated architectures is the ability to distribute power wirelessly between spacecraft depending on the respective power needs over time.

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Research paper thumbnail of Non-Perturbative Effects in Complex Gravitationally Bound Systems

General relativity, the geometric formulation of gravitational interactions, today is well accept... more General relativity, the geometric formulation of gravitational interactions, today is well accepted to properly describe the dynamics of our universe on large scales [1, 2, 3]. Despite its successes, some observational facts seem to indicate a disagreement with the predictions of general relativity or force scientists to ad-hoc assumptions that remain unsatisfactory. The three most important effects of this type are:

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Research paper thumbnail of Microstructured Radiators

Controlling the spatial or temporal coherence of thermal light a hot body emits when it relaxes t... more Controlling the spatial or temporal coherence of thermal light a hot body emits when it relaxes to lower states is undoubtedly one of major objectives for improving the efficiency of numerous actual technologies such as thermophotovoltaïc conversion devices, radiative cooling systems, infrared gas sensors and highly directional/narrow band thermal radiators. Until recently thermal sources were considered as objects that were able to emit light only over a broad band of the infrared spectrum.

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Research paper thumbnail of Signs of Potentially Disruptive Innovation in the Space Sector

This paper reviews and analyses some specific conditions for innovation in the European space sec... more This paper reviews and analyses some specific conditions for innovation in the European space sector. Innovation has enabled the first steps of humans into space and remained a key central parameter ever since. On the other hand, the space sector lacks key parameters encouraging innovation. While governments have put in place instruments to overcome these deficiencies, the current mechanisms seem to address mainly incremental/sustaining innovation.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Strathprints Institutional Repository

This paper presents the conceptual design of multiple spacecraft system for the use of deflecting... more This paper presents the conceptual design of multiple spacecraft system for the use of deflecting Near Earth Asteroids. Each spacecraft is equipped with a solar concentrator assembly, which focuses the solar light, and a beaming system that projects a beam of light onto the surface of the asteroid. When the beams from each spacecraft are superimposed, the temperature on the surface is enough to sublimate the rock, creating a debris plume with enough force to slowly alter the orbit of Apophis.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Où capter l’énergie solaire? Comparaison des concepts spatiaux et terrestres

L'énergie solaire compte parmi les sources d'énergie les plus prometteuses pour couvrir nos besoi... more L'énergie solaire compte parmi les sources d'énergie les plus prometteuses pour couvrir nos besoins énergétiques en constante augmentation. Le rôle encore quasi négligeable de l'énergie solaire dans le système énergétique actuel est dû à plusieurs facteurs, exposés dans cet article. Ces inconvénients sont en partie liés au lieu de sa conversion: la surface de la Terre.

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Research paper thumbnail of Orbiter Demonstration Plan for Solar Power Satellite of Sandwich Type

Abstract We fortunately succeeded in the JAXA/ISAS sounding rocket experiment on the “Furoshiki” ... more Abstract We fortunately succeeded in the JAXA/ISAS sounding rocket experiment on the “Furoshiki” deployment, the retrodirective antenna and the crawling robots on the deployed mesh in January, 2006, as we presented the result at the last IAC in Valencia. The S-310-36 sounding rocket was launched to verify our newly proposed scheme to construct huge structures under microgravity condition in space.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Gossip-based strategies in global optimization

The work we have completed was organized around two topics. The first was the investigation of th... more The work we have completed was organized around two topics. The first was the investigation of the possibilities for implementing various global optimization approaches in a peer-to-peer environment, using gossip algorithms. We compared two rather different algorithms: a branchand-bound method and particle swarm optimization. The results are presented in Chapter 2.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Research paper thumbnail of Efficient Usage of Self Validated Integrators for Space Applications

Abstract The present report addresses the possibilities offered by validated integrators to deal ... more Abstract The present report addresses the possibilities offered by validated integrators to deal with some space problems. First, we survey previous results on validated methods for ODEs and we discuss their sharpness and efficiency, keeping in mind their suitability for space-related computations.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact