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Group Project

Janus: A Design Study of a Combinable Oxygen-Based Gridded Ion Propulsion Unit for LEO Debris Removal

Design study of a combinable oxygen-based gridded ion propulsion unit for low Earth orbit debris removal applications.

Electric PropulsionOxygen PropellantLEO Debris RemovalCOMSOLSystems Engineering

Image/diagram placeholder. Replace later with project figures, plots, or mission visuals.

Overview

Janus is a group design study for a modular, combinable gridded ion thruster operating on oxygen propellant, targeting the growing problem of debris in low Earth orbit. The unit concept is designed to be scalable and mission-adaptable.

System Concept

The propulsion unit uses oxygen as propellant, offering a potential sourcing advantage in LEO debris removal scenarios. The gridded ion design provides precise thrust control, and the combinable architecture allows for mission-specific scaling.

Contribution

Contributions included subsystem analysis, simulation work in COMSOL Multiphysics, and participation in the integrated systems trade study and documentation.

Tools

COMSOL Multiphysics, Python, LaTeX.

Planned Additions

A more detailed explanation of the propulsion concept, design assumptions, analysis workflow, and selected visual material will be added here.