As 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.


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    Title :

    Electric propulsion - Characteristics, applications, and status


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Aerospace Sciences Meeting ; 1981 ; St. Louis, MO


    Publication date :

    1981-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Electric propulsion - characteristics, applications, and status

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