Ion Thrusters
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Transcript of Ion Thrusters
Ion ThrustersMichael Fountain
Overview What Is An Ion
Thruster How It Works Applications The Future
What Is An Ion Thruster Form of electric propulsion that creates
thrust by accelerating ions Electrostatic – use Coulomb Force Electromagnetic – use Lorentz Force
Currently Only Practical in Space
What Is An Ion Thruster Low Thrust, High Efficiency
0.5 N of Thrust 200,000 mph top speed
18,000 mph in Space Shuttle Low impulse = 90% efficiency
35% in Space Shuttle
How It Works
Applications Satellite Stabilization Deep Space I SMART I
The Future Prometheus
Nuclear Powered Ion Thrusters
Deep Space Human Exploration
The Future TIE Fighters?
Twin Ion Engine
References http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/
technology/Ion_Propulsion1.html http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/
features/nep_prometheus.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster
Conclusion What Is An Ion
Thruster How It Works Applications The Future
Questions?