Ion thrusters for electric propulsion: Scientific issues developing a niche technology into a game changer
| Autor: | F. Kunze, S. Peterschmitt, Christian Heiliger, D. Packan, R. Thüringer, U. Probst, Chris Volkmar, B. Nauschütt, H. J. Leiter, J. Zorn, D. Zschätzsch, M. Reitemeyer, Patrick Dietz, Klaus Hannemann, F. Kiefer, Konstantin Keil, S. Scharmann, K. T. Brinkmann, N. Joshi, Peter J. Klar, Stefan Schippers, Michael Kretschmer, Torsten Henning, Markus H. Thoma, K. Holste, H.-G. Zaunick |
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| Přispěvatelé: | Institute of Experimental Physics I, Justus Liebig University, Germany, DPHY, ONERA, Université Paris Saclay [Palaiseau], ONERA-Université Paris-Saclay |
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
010302 applied physics
Propellant Space flight [PHYS]Physics [physics] Ion thruster Spacecraft Computer science business.industry Electromagnetic compatibility Ion engines Propulsion 01 natural sciences 7. Clean energy Commercialization 010305 fluids & plasmas Electrically powered spacecraft propulsion visual_art 0103 physical sciences Electronic component Systems engineering visual_art.visual_art_medium business Instrumentation |
| Zdroj: | Review of Scientific Instruments Review of Scientific Instruments, American Institute of Physics, 2020, 91 (6), pp.061101. ⟨10.1063/5.0010134⟩ |
| ISSN: | 1089-7623 0034-6748 |
| Popis: | International audience; The transition from old space to new space along with increasing commercialization has a major impact on space flight, in general, and on electric propulsion (EP) by ion thrusters, in particular. Ion thrusters are nowadays used as primary propulsion systems in space. This article describes how these changes related to new space affect various aspects that are important for the development of EP systems. Starting with a historical overview of the development of space flight and of the technology of EP systems, a number of important missions with EP and the underlying technologies are presented. The focus of our discussion is the technology of the radio frequency ion thruster as a prominent member of the gridded ion engine family. Based on this discussion, we give an overview of important research topics such as the search for alternative propellants, the development of reliable neutralizer concepts based on novel insert materials, as well as promising neutralizer-free propulsion concepts. In addition, aspects of thruster modeling and requirements for test facilities are discussed. Furthermore, we address aspects of space electronics with regard to the development of highly efficient electronic components as well as aspects of electromagnetic compatibility and radiation hardness. This article concludes with a presentation of the interaction of EP systems with the spacecraft. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
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