Certain problem questions of high-power electric rocket propulsion system creation in Russia

Аuthors

Pil'nikov A. V.

Central Research Institute of Machine Building, TSNIIMash, 4, Pionerskaya str., Korolev, Moscow region, 141070, Russia

e-mail: corp@tsniimash.ru

Abstract

One of available approaches to create high-power electric propulsion system (EPS) is shown. The possibility of using for this purpose of Hall thrusters with power of 2530 kW is fundamentally proven. The modular configuration of EPS structure with two simultaneously operated thrusters is proposed. Estimate calculations shows that high power Hall thruster modules usage allows to save about 20% of the EPS mass, even with the «cold» redundancy taken into account. To avoid the powerful and expensive vacuum test facilities developing the main testing of full-scale module is proposed to carry out directly in orbit, using the «Progress» cargo space ship.

Keywords:

hall thruster, plasma, electro rocket, space, cathode, thrust, cruise engine, impulse.