A thrust generator is provided for producing thrust to move a spacecraft. The thrust generator includes a housing having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is associated with a mount for coupling to the spacecraft. The housing further defines a central axis extending through the first end and the second end. The second end defines an annular propulsion outlet. At least one nozzle is positioned proximate the second end. The thrust generator is selectively operable in a first mode in which the thrust generator uses propellant to electrostatically generate thrust via the annular propulsion outlet, and a second mode in which the thrust generator uses propellant to gas-dynamically generate thrust via the at least one nozzle.
PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR SPACECRAFT
ANTRIEBSSYSTEM FÜR RAUMFAHRZEUGE
SYSTÈME DE PROPULSION POUR ENGIN SPATIAL
2024-03-27
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
Springer Verlag | 2015
|NTIS | 1993