A novel IEC propulsion unit for satellite applications
- Fusion Studies Laboratory, University of Illinois, 100 NEL, 103 South Goodwin, Urbana, Illinois 61801-2984 (United States)
An innovative electrostatic ion thruster design, based on inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) technology, is proposed for use as a 500{endash}800-W satellite thruster. The IEC thruster employs a spherical configuration, wherein ions are generated and accelerated towards the center of a spherical vacuum chamber. Virtual cathode formation in a high-density central core region, combined with a locally distorted cathode grid potential field, extracts accelerated ions in an intense quasi-neutral ion jet. Other than the jet formation, the IEC thruster is quite analogous to a planar electrostatic ion thruster {open_quote}{open_quote}folded{close_quote}{close_quote} into spherical form. Projected advantages of the IEC thruster include competitive efficiency, compactness, low-weight, and durability. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}
- OSTI ID:
- 385514
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960109--
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 361; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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