Charged Droplet Electrostatic Thruster Systems
Abstract
A program to develop and advance the technology needed for practical colloid propulsion flight system is described. A 100-micropound, 1500-second specific impulse, vectorable colloid thruster concept has been developed and tested. Several neutralizer concepts and their interactions with the colloid beam plasma potential are discussed. Direct thrust measurements have been correlated with time-of-flight calculations for various 100-micropound colloid thruster concepts. Several propellants, including liquid metals, have been investigated. The feasibility of pulsed and AC colloid propulsion has been investigated. Various single-needle colloid experiments were performed. A preliminary power conditioning approach for a 1-millipound, orthogonally thrust vectorable colloid system has been developed. The anticipated effects of synchronous orbit solar radiation on needle operating temperature have been examined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0871427
Entities
People
- Bertrand F. Farber
- Charles W. Lear
- Haywood Shelton
- Marshall N. Huberman
- Phillip W. Kidd
- Walter F. Krieve
Organizations
- TRW Inc.