SUMMARY OF EXPERIMENTAL ION ROCKET PROGRAM
Abstract
The purpose of this program is to gain an understanding of basic electrical propulsion principles, propellant properties, and ionization and acceleration techniques. Experimental studies were performed on contact ionization ion sources, ion acceleration, and ion beam neutralization. Small research-type devices were successfully operated in ion motor configurations to verify theoretical analysis and to integrate experimental tests on components. The report discusses two types of vacuum systems: a bell jar, and a small steel tank. The tank operation proved more versatile, and two working variations of the device were built and tested. Instrumentation, fabrication, and neutralization techniques are described, and future work is outlined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0416014
Entities
People
- A. T. Forrester
- R. C. Speiser