The Use Of Ion Thrusters For Orbit Raising*

D. G. Fearn. (1980), JBIS, 33, pp.129-137

Refcode: 1980.33.129

Abstract:

Most spacecraft are fitted with an on-board propulsion system which is used to either change or maintain the satellite’s orbital parameters and attitude. In operation, such a propulsion system changes the total energy and momentum of the spacecraft by the expulsion of a stream of exhaust gases at a high velocity. Each different manoeuvre requires that the spacecraft be given a particular velocity increment, which is equivalent to a specific momentum change. Equating this momentum to that in the exhaust of the propulsion system indicates that the mass of propellant used is inversely proportional to the exhaust velocity achieved. If a large velocity increment is called for, the propellant required can be a significant fraction of the initial mass of the spacecraft.