The most promising operational window for the use of magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters is identified to be at megawatt power levels for orbital maneuvering. For such applications, the operation of a steady-state MPD thruster system imposes stringent requirements on the lifetime of thruster surfaces which will erode due to interactions with the plasma working fluid. Basic erosion mechanisms are presented and the problems associated with measuring the erosion rates are discussed. An experimental approach that would allow the development of a phenomenological model for erosion is proposed.
Thrust for interorbital propulsion - A question of lifetime
1984-01-01
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
A modular propulsion system for the interorbital vehicle
Elsevier | 1986
|Lightweight solar propulsion unit for geocentric interorbital transfer
Engineering Index Backfile | 1963
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