THIRD SYMPOSIUM ON ADVANCED PROPULSION CONCEPTS SPONSORED BY UNITED STATES AIR FORCE OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY FLIGHT PROPULSION DIVISION CINCINNATI, OHIO OCTOBER 2-4, 1962. QUEST FOR HEAVY PARTICLE PROPULSION
Abstract
Although the primary motivation for heavy particle electrical propulsion research is the attainment of efficient operation in the intermediate range of specific impulse (1000-5000 seconds), the concept gives promise of efficient operation at any desired specific impulse. The many approaches being pursued are not without practical problems but the accomplishments to date vindicate the early proponents and justify the continued enthusiasm of the electric propulsion scientific community. The present-day problems of charge/mass ratio distribution (including ionic current and neutral loss), low source current, agglomeration, etc. will all be overcome in time. It remains only to be shown what compromises must be made in order to achieve a usable thrustor and then comparison with other thrustors to determine competitiveness. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0290083
Entities
People
- Robert E. Hunter