Across the Universe – Rocket Engine Innovation<\/span><\/h3>\n
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It takes energy to keep a satellite positioned in space, or to move a spacecraft to it’s destination. It also takes ASRI brainpower from Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Hall Thrusters (HTs) are used in spacecraft to generate thrust by emitting particles at high velocities. Their low propellant consumption per unit of force allows them to be used for much longer times than rocket thrusters, which are short-lived. HTs work by ionizing gas particles in an anode cavity. The newly created ions exit the cavity and are drawn towards the opposite end of an acceleration channel by a strong electric field. When particles exit the channel at high speed into space, net thrust is induced on the channel. But, HTs suffer from relatively high power requirements. This is mainly due to the fact that some ‘slow’ ions collide with the anode walls, and do not exit the anode cavity into the acceleration channel.<\/div>\n
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Method:<\/strong><\/div>\n
Our technology increases Hall Thruster efficiency by significantly reducing the number of ‘slow ions’. Two major modifications contribute to the effect \u2013 unique geometry and an additional magnetic field. The acceleration channel is shaped like a cylinder, which has a low surface-to-volume ratio. This way, ions have higher chances of escaping the channel without colliding with the anode surface. The second modification is the addition of a longitudinal magnetic field inside the anode. This field lowers the electrical potential on the central cylindrical surface in respect to that of the anode, practically drawing ions away from the anode. As a result, the phenomenon of ‘slow ion waste’ is nearly eliminated. The added magnetic field can be generated by permanent magnets, which do not require additional power to operate.<\/div>\n
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Advantages:<\/strong> \u2022 More than 100% increase in thrust without increase in propellant consumption \u2022 Minute design and manufacturing modifications required\u00a0 \u2022 No additional power requirements in permanent magnet implementation<\/div>\n
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Applications:<\/strong><\/div>\n
Satellite and other spacecraft propulsion <\/div>\n