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The FRC Acceleration Space Thruster (FAST) ExperimentThe objective of the FRC (Field Reversed Configuration) Acceleration Space Thruster (FAST) Experiment is to investigate the use of a repetitive FRC source as a thruster, specifically for an NEP (nuclear electric propulsion) system. The Field Reversed Configuration is a plasmoid with a closed poloidal field line structure, and has been extensively studied as a fusion reactor core. An FRC thruster works by repetitively producing FRCs and accelerating them to high velocity. An FRC thruster should be capable of I(sub sp)'s in the range of 5,000 - 25,000 seconds and efficiencies in the range of 60 - 80 %. In addition, they can have thrust densities as high as 10(exp 6) N/m2, and as they are inductively formed, they do not suffer from electrode erosion. The jet-power should be scalable from the low to the high power regime. The FAST experiment consists of a theta-pinch formation chamber, followed by an acceleration stage. Initially, we will produce and accelerate single FRCs. The initial focus of the experiment will be on the ionization, formation and acceleration of a single plasmoid, so as to determine the likely efficiency and I(sub sp). Subsequently, we will modify the device for repetitive burst-mode operation (5-10 shots). A variety of diagnostics are or will be available for this work, including a HeNe interferometer, high-speed cameras, and a Thomson-scattering system. The status of the experiment will be described.
Document ID
20020067411
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Martin, Adam
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Eskridge, Richard
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Houts, Mike
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Slough, John
(Washington Univ. Seattle, WA United States)
Rodgers, Stephen L.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: Advanced Space Propulsion Workshop
Location: Pasadena, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 4, 2002
End Date: June 6, 2002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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