Electric Propulsion

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A propulsion technology that uses electrical energy to accelerate propellant and generate thrust. Specific impulse is much higher than chemical propulsion (thousands of seconds), but thrust magnitude is small (typically millinewton to newton level). Suitable for long-duration continuous acceleration in orbital transfers, significantly improving payload mass fraction.

Application Value

Electric propulsion offers high specific impulse with low thrust, suitable for deep space mission orbit transfer.

Related Concepts

• Variable Structure Sliding Mode Control
• Pontryagin Minimum Principle
• Error Function

References

• 潘迅和泮斌峰 - 2019 - 基于同伦方法的地月系L2点小推力转移轨道优化