Effect of a Backward-Facing Step on Drag of a VLEO Satellite

Spacecraft in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) at altitudes of 150 – 300 km can be prevented from rapid reentry and maintained in orbit with an air-breathing propulsion system that overcomes aerodynamic drag without the need for on-board propellant storage. A conceptual generic satellite shape of an airbreathing VLEO satellite with an electric propulsion thruster and backward-facing step in free molecular flow is presented with a focus on (i) a fundamental examination of drag on a relatively simple vehicle shape, and (ii) fundamental computations for drag and drag reduction on a vehicle shape having a backward-facing step. The magnetoplasmadynamic electric propulsion option is discussed.