Abstract
The transition from old space to new space along with increasing commercialization has a major impact on space flight, in general, and on electric propulsion (EP) by ion thrusters, in particular. Ion thrusters are nowadays used as primary propulsion systems in space. This article describes how these changes related to new space affect various aspects that are important for the development of EP systems. Starting with a historical overview of the development of space flight and of the technology of EP systems, a number of important missions with EP and the underlying technologies are presented. The focus of our discussion is the technology of the radio frequency ion thruster as a prominent member of the gridded ion engine family. Based on this discussion, we give an overview of important research topics such as the search for alternative propellants, the development of reliable neutralizer concepts based on novel insert materials, as well as promising neutralizer-free propulsion concepts. In addition, aspects of thruster modeling and requirements for test facilities are discussed. Furthermore, we address aspects of space electronics with regard to the development of highly efficient electronic components as well as aspects of electromagnetic compatibility and radiation hardness. This article concludes with a presentation of the interaction of EP systems with the spacecraft.
Highlights
Until recently, the exploration of space had been subjected to strong political and economic constraints due to the immense costs involved
This article describes how these changes related to NEW SPACE affect various aspects that are important for the development of electric propulsion (EP) systems
We give an overview of important research topics such as the search for alternative propellants, the development of reliable neutralizer concepts based on novel insert materials, as well as promising neutralizer-free propulsion concepts
Summary
The exploration of space had been subjected to strong political and economic constraints due to the immense costs involved. A high-tech space community with reliable products has been established from the alliance of agencies and industry, which only to a limited extent was subjected to the laws of the free market. These structures and scenarios are referred to as “OLD SPACE.”. A number of companies have emerged with the aim of carrying out space missions at a fraction of the cost spent before and accepting the risk of failure in space due to shorter development times and cheaper production This group of companies includes Blue Origin, Rocketplane Kistler, or SpaceX, to name a few.
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