Electromagnetic propulsion for spacecraftThree electromagnetic propulsion technologies, solid propellant pulsed plasma thrusters (PPT), magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters, and pulsed inductive thrusters (PIT) have been developed for application to auxiliary and primary spacecraft propulsion. Both the PPT and MPD thrusters have been flown in space, though only PPTs have been used on operational satellites. The performance of operational PPTs is quite poor, providing only about 8 percent efficiency at about 1000 sec specific impulse. Laboratory PPTs yielding 34 percent efficiency at 5170 sec specific impulse have been demonstrated. Laboratory MPD thrusters have been demonstrated with up to 70 percent efficiency and 7000 sec specific impulse. Recent PIT performance measurements using ammonia and hydrazine propellants are extremely encouraging, reaching 50 percent efficiency for specific impulses between 4000 and 8000 sec.
Document ID
19930046978
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Myers, Roger M. (Sverdrup Technology, Inc., Brook Park; NASA, Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1993
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 93-1086
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, AHS, and ASEE, Aerospace Design Conference