A propulsion system for spacecraft is based on an electric engine that expels propellant to achieve thrust. The propellant is first ionized to generate a plasma. Plasma particles are selectively accelerated via a pulsed laser that accelerates predominantly the electrons in the plasma. The electrons are expelled first, forming a space charge that acts as a virtual cathode to accelerate the positive ions. Interactions between the laser beam and plasma electrons are predominantly through the ponderomotive force.
Efficient Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
2018-03-22
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | F03H PRODUCING A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR , Erzeugung von Vortriebskraft [Schub] nach dem Prinzip des Rückstoßes, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen / B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS / H01J Elektrische Entladungsröhren oder Entladungslampen , ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS |
Electric Propulsion for spacecraft
TIBKAT | 1989
Spacecraft electric propulsion - Now?
NTRS | 1968
|Electric Propulsion of Spacecraft
NTIS | 1981
|Spacecraft electric propulsion -- Now
Engineering Index Backfile | 1968
|