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.
Hybrid electric propulsion for spacecraft
02.01.2018
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 |
Spacecraft electric propulsion -- Now
Engineering Index Backfile | 1968
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Spacecraft electric propulsion - Now?
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