(PhysOrg.com) -- Satellites orbiting the Earth must occasionally be nudged to stay on the correct path. MIT scientists are developing a new rocket that could make this and other spacecraft maneuvers much less costly, a consideration ...
Space Exploration
Feb 23, 2009
7
0
A test firing of Europe's Helicon Plasma Thruster, developed with ESA by SENER and the Universidad Carlos III's Plasma & Space Propulsion Team (EP2-UC3M) in Spain. This compact, electrodeless and low voltage design is ideal ...
Space Exploration
Sep 7, 2020
0
96
Electric solid propellants are being explored as a safer option for pyrotechnics, mining, and in-space propulsion because they only ignite with an electric current. But because all of these applications require high heat, ...
Materials Science
Feb 12, 2020
0
14
This micro-pulsed plasma thruster has been designed for propulsion of miniature CubeSats; its first firing is seen here. The thruster works by pulsing a lightning-like electric arc between two electrodes. This vaporizes ...
Space Exploration
Jun 13, 2018
0
13
The universe is made up of plasma, which is easily influenced by magnetic fields and forces, leading to complex behavior. Plasmas are found throughout the solar system in places such as the planetary magnetosphere, solar ...
Plasma Physics
Jun 13, 2017
1
79
Nearly 50 years after landing on the moon, mankind has now set its sights on sending the first humans to Mars. The moon trip took three days; a Mars trip will likely take most of a year. The difference is in more than just ...
Space Exploration
Jul 29, 2016
11
107
(Phys.org) -- Construction of a pioneering plasma thruster – an engine that could be used to power satellites to Mars – and a space simulation facility that will aid the development of the first Australian satellites ...
Space Exploration
Jun 5, 2012
4
0
A part of the performance degradation mechanism of the advanced, electrodeless, helicon plasma thruster with a magnetic nozzle, has been revealed by the research group of Dr. Kazunori Takahashi and Prof. Akira Ando at Tohoku ...
Plasma Physics
May 13, 2015
0
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