Holste K, Dietz P, Scharmann S, Keil K, Henning T, Zschätzsch D, Reitemeyer M, Nauschütt B, Kiefer F, Kunze F, Zorn J, Heiliger C, Joshi N, Probst U, Thüringer R, Volkmar C, Packan D, Peterschmitt S, Brinkmann K-T, Zaunick H-G, Thoma M H, Kretschmer M, Leiter H J, Schippers S, Hannemann K, Klar P J
Institute of Experimental Physics I, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
Institute of Theoretical Physics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
Rev Sci Instrum. 2020 Jun 1;91(6):061101. doi: 10.1063/5.0010134.
The transition from old space to new space along with increasing commercialization has a major impact on space flight, in general, and on electric propulsion (EP) by ion thrusters, in particular. Ion thrusters are nowadays used as primary propulsion systems in space. This article describes how these changes related to new space affect various aspects that are important for the development of EP systems. Starting with a historical overview of the development of space flight and of the technology of EP systems, a number of important missions with EP and the underlying technologies are presented. The focus of our discussion is the technology of the radio frequency ion thruster as a prominent member of the gridded ion engine family. Based on this discussion, we give an overview of important research topics such as the search for alternative propellants, the development of reliable neutralizer concepts based on novel insert materials, as well as promising neutralizer-free propulsion concepts. In addition, aspects of thruster modeling and requirements for test facilities are discussed. Furthermore, we address aspects of space electronics with regard to the development of highly efficient electronic components as well as aspects of electromagnetic compatibility and radiation hardness. This article concludes with a presentation of the interaction of EP systems with the spacecraft.
随着商业化程度的不断提高，从旧太空向新太空的转变对一般的太空飞行，尤其是对离子推进器的电推进（EP）产生了重大影响。如今，离子推进器被用作太空的主要推进系统。本文描述了与新太空相关的这些变化如何影响对电推进系统发展至关重要的各个方面。从太空飞行发展和电推进系统技术的历史概述开始，介绍了一些使用电推进的重要任务及其基础技术。我们讨论的重点是作为栅控离子发动机家族杰出成员的射频离子推进器技术。基于此讨论，我们概述了重要的研究课题，例如寻找替代推进剂、基于新型插入材料开发可靠的中和器概念，以及有前景的无中和器推进概念。此外，还讨论了推进器建模方面以及对测试设施的要求。此外，我们还探讨了高效电子元件开发方面的太空电子学问题，以及电磁兼容性和辐射硬度方面的问题。本文最后介绍了电推进系统与航天器的相互作用。
