This article describes electric rocket engines for satellites, probes and manned spacecraft based on principles also used in material processing. The limitations of conventional chemical thrusters are explained and the need for high exhaust velocities is pointed out. Two important electric propulsion technologies, arcjet thrusters and gridded ion thrusters, together with their applications are described. Both types are successfully operated in space. Finally, a hybrid engine using an arcjet thruster and propellant heating by RF power is introduced. This concept is a potential solution for the propulsion demands of a future mission to Mars.
Electric propulsion for space flight
Elektrischer Antrieb für die Raumfahrt
Vakuum in Forschung und Praxis ; 21 , Vacuum's Best ; 22-28
2009
7 Seiten, 10 Bilder, 27 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
Electric propulsion for space flight
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