Technology and Application Aspects of Applied Field Magnetoplasmadynamic Propulsion

Abstract

Currently available or realizable applied e eld magnetoplasmadynamic (AF‐MPD) thrusters operating in the power range 5‐100 kW appear to be excellently suited for orbit change and stationkeeping (drag compensation) of large satellites because of their high specie c impulse, sufe cient thrust, and compact geometry. They were developed to considerable maturity almost 20 years ago, but have not yet been used in space because of the lack of missions, appropriate power, and qualie cation. There is evidence that these engines cannot be operated realistically in the laboratory, mainly because of the high vacuum needed to exclude unknown environmental interaction with the plume, even at very low vacua. A space experiment is needed to provide proof of Isp and efe ciency. The International Space Station now provides the opportunity to qualify the engine in space. This paper describes the application potential, performance characteristics, and technological status of the AF‐MPD thruster, remaining application issues to be resolved, and a space experiment proposed to operate and investigate the engine under space-e ight conditions.