Systems, methods, and apparatus for a structural propellant for ion rockets (SPIR) are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for in-space propulsion of a spacecraft involves removing, by a removal device, a portion of a structure of the spacecraft. The method further involves feeding, by the removal device, the portion into a Hall thruster system. Further, the method involves utilizing, by the Hall thruster system, the portion as propellant to produce thrust. In one or more embodiments, the structure is an upper stage of the spacecraft. In at least one embodiment, the upper stage comprises at least one structural support and/or at least one upper stage housing. In some embodiments, the structure is manufactured from magnesium, bismuth, zinc, and/or indium.


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    Title :

    Structural Propellant for ion rockets (SPIR)


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2019-10-01


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    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



    Structural Propellant for Ion Rockets (SPIR)

    CHILDRESS JAMIE J / KESSLER THOMAS L | European Patent Office | 2017

    Free access

    STRUCTURAL PROPELLANT FOR ION ROCKETS (SPIR)

    CHILDRESS JAMIE J / KESSLER THOMAS L | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

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