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Electric propulsion - Characteristics, applications, and statusAs chemical propulsion systems were achieving their ultimate capability for planetary exploration, space scientists were developing solar electric propulsion as the propulsion system need for future missions. This paper provides a comparative review of the principles of ion thruster and chemical rocket operations and discusses the current status of the 30-cm mercury ion thruster development and the specifications imposed on the 30-cm thruster by the Solar Electric Propulsion System program. The 30-cm thruster operating range, efficiency, wear out lifetime, and interface requirements are described. Finally, the areas of 30-cm thruster technology that remain to be refined are discussed.
Document ID
19810036220
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Maloy, J. E.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Dulgeroff, C. R.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Poeschel, R. L.
(Hughes Research Laboratories Malibu, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 81-0138
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerospace Sciences Meeting
Location: St. Louis, MO
Start Date: January 12, 1981
End Date: January 15, 1981
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
81A20624
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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