Test facilities for high power electric propulsionElectric propulsion has applications for orbit raising, maneuvering of large space systems, and interplanetary missions. These missions involve propulsion power levels from tenths to tens of megawatts, depending upon the application. General facility requirements for testing high power electric propulsion at the component and thrust systems level are defined. The characteristics and pumping capabilities of many large vacuum chambers in the United States are reviewed and compared with the requirements for high-power electric-propulsion testing.
Document ID
19910067773
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sovey, James S. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Vetrone, Robert H. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Grisnik, Stanley P. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Myers, Roger M. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Parkes, James E. (NASA Lewis Research Center; Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Cleveland, OH, United States)