Arcjet: the arcjet uses conventional
hydrazine or other monopropellant fuel, but ignites
it with a high voltage electrical arc.
Stationary plasma thrusters (Hall thrusters).
An arc discharge in the propellant is caused by two electrodes,
making an electric field.
A surrounding magnet then makes an azimuthal Hall current
with a corresponding Lorentz force in the axial direction.
Pulsed plasma thruster, ablating CFC (eg Teflon)
with an arc, accelerating the vaporised material in a pulse
lasting microseconds. Flown on TIP/NOVA.
Contact and electron bombardment ion thrusters.
The cathode emits electrons which ionize the propellant.
The ions are then accelerated and ejected, with electrons
being injected for neutralization.
How can we characterize electric propulsion systems?
Max Thrust, Isp, propellant, power input
