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Electromagnetic thrusters for spacecraft prime propulsionThe benefits of electromagnetic propulsion systems for the next generation of US spacecraft are discussed. Attention is given to magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) and arc jet thrusters, which form a subset of a larger group of electromagnetic propulsion systems including pulsed plasma thrusters, Hall accelerators, and electromagnetic launchers. Mission/system study results acquired over the last twenty years suggest that for future prime propulsion applications high-power self-field MPD thrusters and low-power arc jets have the greatest potential of all electromagnetic thruster systems. Some of the benefits they are expected to provide include major reductions in required launch mass compared to chemical propulsion systems (particularly in geostationary orbit transfer) and lower life-cycle costs (almost 50 percent less). Detailed schematic drawings are provided which describe some possible configurations for the various systems.
Document ID
19840054193
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rudolph, L. K.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, CO, United States)
King, D. Q.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1984
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 84-1446
Accession Number
84A36980
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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