Electrostatic AB‐Ramjet space propulsion for interplanetary flight

Abstract

Purpose – The paper seeks to propose and analyze a new electrostatic ramjet space engine.Design/methodology/approach – The upper atmosphere (85‐1,000 km) is extremely dense in ions (millions per cubic cm). The interplanetary medium contains positive protons from the solar wind. A charged ball collects the ions (protons) from the surrounding area and a special electric engine accelerates the ions to achieve thrust or decelerates the ions to achieve drag. The thrust may have a magnitude of several Newtons. If the ions are decelerated, the engine produces a drag and generates electrical energy. The theory of the new engine is developed.Findings – It is shown that the proposed engine driven by a solar battery (or other energy source) cannot only support satellites in their orbit for a very long time but can also work as a launcher of space apparatus. The latter capability includes launch to high orbit, to the Moon, to far space, or to the Earth's atmosphere (as a return thruster for space apparatus or as a ki...