Microthrusters indispensable for nano/microsatellites that will lead the next-generation space industry

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  • TAKAO Yoshinori
    Division of Systems Research, Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University

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Other Title
  • 次世代宇宙産業を担う超小型衛星に不可欠なマイクロスラスタ
  • ジセダイ ウチュウ サンギョウ オ ニナウ チョウコガタ エイセイ ニ フカケツ ナ マイクロスラスタ

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Abstract

<p>In recent years, many nano/microsatellites have been launched in space for various applications in near-earth orbit, and they are now used even for deep-space exploration. The situation naturally requires a micropropulsion system or microthruster. It is expected that electric propulsion will play an important role in achieving the required velocity increment (⊿v) because nano/microsatellites have strict constraints on space and weight. In this paper, we focus on two types of microthrusters, an ion engine and an electrospray thruster, which obtain thrust by electrostatically accelerating ions, and describe their characteristics, current results, and some issues. We also introduce electron sources, which do not directly contribute to thrust but are essential components.</p>

Journal

  • Oyo Buturi

    Oyo Buturi 90 (5), 298-302, 2021-05-05

    The Japan Society of Applied Physics

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