Ion Propulsion Research And Development In The UK
£5.00
D. G. Fearn et al. (1990), JBIS, 43, pp.431-442
Refcode: 1990.43.431
Abstract:
Electric propulsion research and development in the UK commenced in the late 1960s with work on a variety of ion sources and pulsed plasma devices [1]. Although the concepts investigated were invariably of considerable interest from the point of view of plasma physics and the associated engineering challenges, it was shown that most of them were unlikely to find worthwhile space applications. Consequently, the work on the majority was discontinued or has been redirected towards commercial roles. The remaining programme concerns the development of two Kaufman-type [2] ion thrusters for a variety of future missions, ranging from the precise orbital control of remote sensing and communications satellites to the propulsion of advanced interplanetary spacecraft. In addition, some work remains on the field-emission thruster programme sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA).
