In-orbit demonstration of an iodine electric propulsion system.

ABSTRACT: Propulsion is a critical subsystem of many spacecraft^1-4. For efficient propellant usage, electric propulsion systems based on the electrostatic acceleration of ions formed during electron impact ionization of a gas are particularly attractive^5,6. At present, xenon is used almost exclusively as an ionizable propellant for space propulsion^2-5. However, xenon is rare, it must be stored under high pressure and commercial production is expensive^7-9. Here we demonstrate a propulsion system that uses iodine propellant and we present in-orbit results of this new technology. Diatomic iodine is stored as a solid and sublimated at low temperatures. A plasma is then produced with a radio-frequency inductive antenna, and we show that the ionization efficienc

SUBMITTER: Rafalskyi D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8599014 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature