Assessment of the Challenges Facing the Propulsion Subsystem of Satellites

Abstract

This research work was aimed at studying some challenges facing the propulsion subsystem of satellites. The work employed the use of the explanatory and review research methods. The work highlights some of the common challenges facing the propulsion subsystem of satellites based on the knowledge and understanding of the authors as well as based on the works done in the research areas by other authors, accessed from reputable databases. The analysis revealed that some of the challenges of the propulsion subsystem of satellites are vibration loads during launch, testing complexity, leakage problems, propellant sloshing and management in microgravity, and thruster degradation and erosion. From the results, it was concluded that the propulsion subsystem of satellites, irrespective of the types of satellite, is faced with several challenges, which can lead to poor efficiency of satellites or even total failure.