Advanced Electric Thruster (A Space Electric Ramjet)

Abstract

Laboratory experiments have established that axisymmetric plasma accelerators using a solenoidal magnetic field can produce thrust by recycling the ambient material of the vacuum tank in which they were operated, indicating that an electromagnetic accelerator on a satellite at low altitude should be able to ionize and accelerate air streaming by it and produce thrust for drag make up. This principle is the basis of the space electric ramjet. Use of solar cell arrays to supply power gives the system a theoretical unlimited total impulse, otherwise limited by engine cathode and anode lifetimes. Minimum system performance requirements for drag make up in the 100-300 miles altitude range are computed. Basic design parameters for system components (anode, cathode, magnet coil, insulators) and power requirements are calculated.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0759290

Entities

People

  • Gordon L. Cann

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cyclotrons
  • Electric Discharges
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Electron Density
  • Electrons
  • Energy
  • Magnet Coils
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetic Materials
  • Plasma Accelerators
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Rocket Propulsion
  • Solar Cells
  • Spacecraft
  • Test Facilities
  • Voltage

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster