NASA s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) project is developing next generation ion propulsion technologies to enhance the performance and lower the costs of future NASA space science missions. This is being accomplished by producing Engineering Model (EM) and Prototype Model (PM) components, validating these via qualification-level and integrated system testing, and preparing the transition of NEXT technologies to flight system development. The project is currently completing one of the final milestones of the effort, that is operation of an integrated NEXT Ion Propulsion System (IPS) in a simulated space environment. This test will advance the NEXT system to a NASA Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 (i.e., operation of a prototypical system in a representative environment), and will confirm its readiness for flight. Besides its promise for upcoming NASA science missions, NEXT may have excellent potential for future commercial and international spacecraft applications.
NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT): NASA's Next Step for U.S. Deep Space Propulsion
2008
8 pages
Report
No indication
English
Space Technology , Extraterrestrial Exploration , Electric & Ion Propulsion , Rocket Engines & Motors , Research Program Administration & Technology Transfer , Basic & Synthetic Chemistry , Avionics , Ion propulsion technologies , NEXT generation , Space science missions , NEXT technologies , Flight system development , NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT)
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