Air Force Research Laboratory High Power Electric Propulsion Technology Development
Abstract
Space solar power generation systems have a significant impact on Electric Propulsion (EP) technology development. Recent advances in solar cell, deployment, and concentrator hardware have led to significant decreases in component mass, reducing system specific power. Combined with maneuvering requirements for Air Force and DoD missions of interest, propulsive requirements emerge that provide direction for technology investments. Projections for near- to mid-term propulsion capabilities are presented indicating the need for thrusters capable of processing larger amounts of power (100 - 200 kW), operating at relatively moderate specific impulse (2000 - 5000 s) and high efficiency (> 60%), and having low mass (< 1 kg/kW). Two technology areas are identified and discussed in the context of the above thruster constraints. Concentric channel Hall thrusters are an extension of a mature technology, offering operation over expanded power levels and lower specific mass at SOTA efficiencies. Field Reverse Configuration (FRC) thrusters are a specific type of Compact Toroid (CT) that have the potential to operate up to MW power levels, at specific masses even lower than concentric channel Hall thrusters, and on a wider range of propellants. However, FRCs are currently less mature than the Hall thruster variants. Comparisons of candidate technologies are evaluated with VASIMR, a well publicized high power EP device currently under development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513936
Entities
People
- Brian E. Beal
- Daniel L. Brown
- James M. Haas
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory