Year: 1980
Type: article
Abstract: The development of electric propulsion systems is discussed and the benefits of these systems to various space mission requirements are outlined. The characteristics and development status of 8 and 30 cm mercury ion thrusters and solar electric propulsion systems are reported. In addition the advantages of an inert gas thruster for Earth orbital missions are examined and include its capability for operation at higher values of specific impulse, the ease at which it can be integrated with space systems, and it's low pollution potential.
Author: D. C. Byers
Institution: Glenn Research Center
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2490192879