Electric Propulsion of Spacecraft

The Report commences with a discussion of the merits of electric propulsion technology, explaining that the very high exhaust velocities attainable allow the propellant masses required for most missions to be drastically reduced. The various types of electric thruster are then described briefly. The most highly developed and potentially useful thruster, the Kaufman electron bombardment ion thruster, is covered in greater detail, with particular reference to the T5 device developed in the UK. Candidate missions are discussed, ranging from attitude and orbit control functions to the application of ion propulsion to the deployment of solar power satellites. Important terrestrial applications of electric propulsion technology are also mentioned. (Author)