Review of High-Power Electrostatic and Electrothermal Electric Propulsion

What is it about?

Electric propulsion (EP) is an alternative form of propulsion satellites can use to maneuver in space. An EP propulsion device uses electrical power to energize a gas and generate thrust. Since the 1960's, many different EP technologies have been developed of various power levels for satellite applications. Although EP is much more efficient than other forms of propulsion, it requires a lot of electrical power to generate useful thrust. Only as recent as the 1990's has the space industry really embraced EP as an alternative form of propulsion for spacecraft. In order to make EP the primary propulsion system aboard satellites, higher power devices are needed. However, our understanding of high power EP is limited at the moment. This paper reviews all the high power EP devices that have been developed over the years. We present each thruster's performance and discuss all the things we need to do to make high-power EP a viable option for future space missions.

Featured Image