Description:
- Aerospace
- Satellite propulsion
Abstract
USC inventors have developed a magnetic test thruster that eliminates the need for the extractor, allowing the emitted ions to escape directly and produce thrust without any interception and loss. This approach utilizes a dynamic magnetic field to generate an electric field that accelerates ions without the need of an extractor. This approach reduces the complexity in design and enables scaling that is limited only by the physical size for magnetic field generating coils. Monomer Thrust was calculated to be between 52nN-59nN with Monomer/Dimer Thrust in the range of 76nN-81nN for the 25-emitter array.
Benefits
- Simplified manufacturing
- Longer lifetime due to less impingement
Market Application
Control of satellites and other space objects is necessary to ensure proper positioning in space for communications and to limit the chances of collisions. Satellites can range in size from small cube-sats to bus-sized and have various requirements for propulsion. Cube-sats require that thrusters are small, precise, and easily replicable. Current technology suffers from two main drawbacks: (1) they are not saleable due to manufacturing tolerances, and (2) the extractor back streaming leads to short lifetimes.
Stage of Development
- Functional prototypes constructed and tested
- Available for licensing