Opportunities for the application of electric propulsion systems arising from the anticipated expansion of low-Earth-orbit activities are reviewed. Inherent characteristics and performance capability of electric propulsion systems are assessed. It is shown that the various thruster concepts should not be regarded as alternative options to be traded off, but rather as a set of answers to future propulsion needs, complementary in nature and graduated in time. Potential applications related to near-Earth activities include orbit maintenance and drag cancellation (representing the most important application in low Earth orbit); and orbit raising to polar orbit and back. A specific example is discussed concerning a man-tended-free-flyer type microgravity laboratory. This example encompasses several propulsion aspects which are common to a variety of near-Earth missions and can provide insight into the applications of different electric propulsion systems in low Earth orbit.
Electric Propulsion for Low Earth Orbit Applications
1988
7 pages
Report
No indication
English
Electric & Ion Propulsion , Manned Spacecraft , Electric propulsion , Man tended free flyers , Space station propulsion , Spacecraft propulsion , Earth orbits , Eureca (Esa) , Arc jet engines , Drag , Ion engines , Magnetoplasmadynamics , Reduced gravity , Specific impulse , Thrust , Foreign technology
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