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Learn about electric propulsion, its history, types, and applications. Discover why high exhaust velocity matters and future mission potentials. Explore solar and nuclear electric propulsion subsystems.
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Electric Propulsion for Future Space MissionsPart I Bryan Palaszewski Digital Learning Network NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field
Introduction • Why electric propulsion? • Types • Applications • Some history • Future missions and vehicles • A very cool future
Electric PropulsionHistorical Overview • 1903 -- K. E. Tsiolkovsky derived the “Tsiolkovsky” or “Rocket” Equation commonly used to show the benefits of electric propulsion • 1906 -- R. Goddard wrote about the possibility of electric rockets • 1911 -- K. E. Tsiolkovsky independently wrote about electric rockets • 1929 -- World’s first electric thruster demonstrated by V. P. Glushko at the Gas Dynamics Laboratory in Lenningrad • 1960 -- First “broad-beam” ion thruster operated in the U.S. at the NASA Lewis (now Glenn) Research Center
Electric PropulsionHistorical Overview • 1964 -- First successful sub-orbital demonstration of an ion engine (SERT I) by the U.S. • 1964 -- First use of an electric thruster on an interplanetary probe (Zond 2) by the USSR • 1970 -- Long duration test of mercury ion thrusters in space (SERT II) by the U.S. • 1972 -- First operation of a xenon stationary plasma thruster (SPT-50) in space (Meteor) by the USSR • 1993 -- First use of hydrazine arcjets on a commercial communications satellite (Telstar 401) by the U.S.
Developed by V. P Glushko at the Gas Dynamics Laboratory in Lenningrad, 1929 - 1933 Solid and Liquid Conductors Were Vaporized by High Current Discharges in the Plenum Chamber and Expanded Through the Nozzle Power Provided by 40 kV, 4 mF Capacitors The First Electric Thruster
Types Of Electric Thrusters • Electrostatic • Ion • Hall • Electrothermal • Arcjet • Resistojet • Electromagnetic • Magneto plasma dynamic (MPD) • Many others
Hall Thruster Thrusters designed and fabricated by the Design Bureau Fakel, Kaliningrad (Baltic Region), Russia, and offered by International Space Technology, Inc. SPT-100 1350 W 1600 lbf-s/lbm (Nominal) SPT-140 4000 W 1700 lbf-s/lbm (Nominal) SPT-70 700 W 1450 lbf-s/lbm (Nominal) SPT-50 300 W 1200 lbf-s/lbm (Nominal)
Anode Magnet Coils Xe Dielectric Walls Ez Br Cathode Xe Power Supply Power Supply Hall Thruster
Hydrazine Arcjet Primex Aerospace Hydrazine Arcjet: 1.8 kW, 200 mN, 500 lbf-s/lbm
PROPELLANT IN THRUSTER EXHAUST CATHODE ANODE CURRENT ARC Arcjet Thruster
Arcjet Thruster Ship Set of Four Olin Aerospace 500 lbf-s/lbm Hydrazine Arcjets and Power Processing Unit
Pulsed MPD Thruster Operating on Argon Propellant at Princeton University Magneto Plasma Dynamic (MPD) Thruster
NASA Glenn Electric Propulsion Laboratory (EPL) Contributions • On September 23, 2001, the Deep Space 1 ion thruster set a record of 16,000 hrs. of operation while propelling the spacecraft on its encounter with Comet Borrelly. • In preparation of MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) probe mission, VF-6 was used to characterize components under a 10-sun solar insolation environment. • On December 3, 2000, hollow cathodes, which were developed at GRC and tested in VF-5 as part of the Plasma Contactor Unit, began protecting the International Space Station from harmful space plasma voltage potentials.
NASA Glenn Electric Propulsion Laboratory (EPL) Contributions • A refractive secondary concentrator (RSC) achieved temperatures of 1455 Kelvin with an 87% throughput in VF-6. • On January 4, 2002, a pulsed plasma thruster on Earth Observing 1 demonstrated a highly fuel efficient method of controlling spacecraft attitude and "pointability." • Conducted first integrated solar dynamic system test from solar input to electrical power in VF-6.
Launch of Deep Space 1 • Boeing Delta II (7326) Rocket • October 24, 1998
