Latest Trends in Electric Propulsion

Check out our latest publication from the Electric Propulsion group at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, selected as an Editor's Pick! In the journal Physics of Fluids, Ioannis (Yiangos) Mikellides, Alejandro López Ortega, and Vernon Chaplin present a first-principles model for the anomalous momentum-transfer collision frequency of electrons in Hall thrusters. This work addresses a longstanding issue in predicting electron transport, a critical factor in understanding plasma behavior within thrusters. Traditionally, empirical fits to ion velocity data are used to infer electron transport, which limits predictive capabilities without extensive data. The new model proposed by Mikellides and his team shows excellent agreement with a wide range of empirical profiles derived from Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) measurements. These measurements span a 10-fold range in discharge power, different thruster sizes, operating conditions, and both unshielded and shielded magnetic field topologies. This advancement marks a significant step forward in understanding electron dynamics in Hall thrusters, paving the way for more accurate predictive models. Read the full publication here: https://lnkd.in/gfRBXdCx

New Zealand Researchers Prepare Electric Propulsion Magnets for Space Tests A team of New Zealand researchers is set to test a groundbreaking electric propulsion system aboard the International Space Station (ISS), potentially reducing the space industry’s dependence on chemical rockets. The Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, part of Victoria University of Wellington, is developing a new approach to applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic (AF-MPD) thrusters, which use magnetic fields to accelerate ions at high speeds, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional propulsion systems. What Makes AF-MPD Thrusters Revolutionary? • Unlike chemical rockets, AF-MPD thrusters use plasma and strong magnetic fields to generate thrust, making them more fuel-efficient and capable of sustained operation in space. • The technology has existed since the 1970s, but past designs struggled with power requirements and material limitations. • The Paihau-Robinson team has now overcome a major technical hurdle by integrating superconducting magnets, which drastically improve efficiency and performance. How This Test Could Shape Future Space Missions • The upcoming space tests on the ISS will determine whether superconducting magnet technology can make AF-MPD thrusters viable for long-duration missions. • If successful, these thrusters could power future deep-space exploration, satellite station-keeping, and even interplanetary spacecraft, significantly reducing mission costs and fuel consumption. • This innovation could be a game-changer for space travel, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional propulsion and accelerating the transition to fully electric spaceflight. The Future of Plasma-Based Space Propulsion The Paihau-Robinson Research Institute’s advancements put New Zealand at the forefront of space propulsion technology. As the industry shifts toward more sustainable and efficient space travel, electric propulsion—powered by superconducting magnets—could become the key to long-distance space missions, lunar settlements, and Mars exploration. The upcoming ISS tests will be a critical step in proving the viability of AF-MPD thrusters, potentially reshaping the future of propulsion in space.

“fuel-free satellite system that sucks in the air may be able to provide unlimited propulsion for longer-duration orbital operations one day. University of Surrey’s Surrey Space Centre researchers are developing a new breed of spacecraft that will be propelled by capturing the air rather than standard propellants. This innovative concept, called air-breathing electric propulsion spacecraft, will fly near our planet in the very low Earth orbit (VLEO). This orbit is between 95 and 250 miles in altitude. This orbital location has the potential to dramatically improve Earth observation, climate monitoring, and satellite communications. The center recently received £250,000 from the UK Space Agency to advance the development of the air-breathing electric propulsion concept. This grant will enable them to create a conceptual design, perform propulsion tests, analyze orbital mechanics, and perform aerodynamic simulations. Air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) uses upper atmospheric air as a fuel to power an electric thruster on a satellite. In a nutshell, a satellite’s device collects air from the upper atmosphere and channels these air particles into a specialized ionization chamber. Inside this chamber, the air particles are bombarded with energy, turning them into a super-hot, electrically charged state called plasma. This process can be used to propel the spacecraft. “We’ve been developing a cathode, or neutraliser, to work in electrostatic thrusters operating in the thin air found in ultra-low Earth orbit,” explained Mansur Tisaev, a postgraduate research student at the university. “By collecting and compressing the gases at that altitude, we can create a propellant flow that is ionized (i.e., transformed into a mix of charged particles) and accelerated using combinations of electric and magnetic fields, harnessing electrical power from solar panels.” https://lnkd.in/gCpht3AG