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Unicorn Satellite Project

 

Current satellite power systems include solar panels, chemical batteries, radioisotope thermal generators (RTGs), and nuclear reactors, none of which can be replenished once a spacecraft is launched. To extend the range of solar panel technology beyond its current limit of 1.7AU, would require a dramatic increase in panel size, which would render the design impractical. Admittedly, there is a new solar panel design that can function as far as 5.5 AU (approximately Jupiter's orbit); however, if we plan to explore the depth universe we have to think far beyond Jupiter's orbit. Batteries, no matter how efficient, tend to become ineffective over a period of a couple years. Thus, RTGs are considered the most promising energy source as they are essentially small nuclear reactors combined with a heat cell mechanism to produce an electric source that allows the spacecraft to function beyond the allowable orbit of conventional solar panel. However, in this day and age, the incorporation of nuclear reactors in our spacecraft designs seems barbaric and impractical. Reactors tend to be bulky and the energy tradeoff does not cover the cost of sending into space. In an attempt to create a replenishable power source that functions beyond inner planetary orbits, we look towards nature for examples of simplistic design.

The Unicorn Satellite Design contains two alternative power sources: the current mechanism induced by the radiation and two onboard rechargeable batteries. This design will permit the satellite to explore regions of space where radiation fluxes do not change. Therefore, not only is the design self sufficient but it will also have no boundaries. Throughout its journey, the satellite is designed to record the radiation levels along its trajectory, which is important because the scientific community does not currently possess accurate measurements on radiation fluxes for the entire solar system.  Admittedly, there are models that simulate outer space radiation fluxes; however, they contain large sectors where we do not have any information.

The average flux per unit area in outer space varies.  One factor is the influence of the Earth's magnetic field on the orbiters as it exits the atmosphere and becomes exposed to the harsh interstellar environment.  The orbiter will be released in a radial direction away from the sun so that it gradually adjusts to interstellar radiation levels. This process will carry the satellite through the Earth's magneto tail, and into the ionosphere until it encounters the bow shock, after which interstellar radiation becomes the primary influence. Thus, the orbiter will not become fully active until it departs Earth's bow shock. Within this region of space, the satellite will be subject to solar flares and other magnetic fluctuations of the sun. Upon interaction with changes in the radiation field, the orbiter will align to the direction of the radiation flux, where it will begin to harvest interstellar radiation and become self sufficient. At this point, the orbiter will be fully powered by radiation and the two onboard batteries will have become charged throughout this same period of time. 

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