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Propulsion Research at the Propulsion Research Center of the NASA Marshall Space Flight CenterThe Propulsion Research Center of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is engaged in research activities aimed at providing the bases for fundamental advancement of a range of space propulsion technologies. There are four broad research themes. Advanced chemical propulsion studies focus on the detailed chemistry and transport processes for high-pressure combustion, and on the understanding and control of combustion stability. New high-energy propellant research ranges from theoretical prediction of new propellant properties through experimental characterization propellant performance, material interactions, aging properties, and ignition behavior. Another research area involves advanced nuclear electric propulsion with new robust and lightweight materials and with designs for advanced fuels. Nuclear electric propulsion systems are characterized using simulated nuclear systems, where the non-nuclear power source has the form and power input of a nuclear reactor. This permits detailed testing of nuclear propulsion systems in a non-nuclear environment. In-space propulsion research is focused primarily on high power plasma thruster work. New methods for achieving higher thrust in these devices are being studied theoretically and experimentally. Solar thermal propulsion research is also underway for in-space applications. The fourth of these research areas is advanced energetics. Specific research here includes the containment of ion clouds for extended periods. This is aimed at proving the concept of antimatter trapping and storage for use ultimately in propulsion applications. Another activity in this involves research into lightweight magnetic technology for space propulsion applications.
Document ID
20030111795
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Blevins, John
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Rodgers, Stephen
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: 54th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
Location: Bremen
Country: Germany
Start Date: September 29, 2003
End Date: October 3, 2003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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