Variable-specific-impulse engine

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

Also called power-limited engine. An electric propulsion engine with adjustable thrust and exhaust velocity, with a separate power source (e.g., solar panels) bounded by a maximum. The optimal thrust acceleration vector equals the primer vector: Γ(t) = p(t), coupling the equations of motion with the primer vector equation into a fourth-order ODE in position.

Application Value

Variable-specific-impulse engine is a fundamental concept in cislunar mission design, playing an important role in orbital design and tracking planning.

References

  • Prussing - 2010 - Primer vector theory and applications
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong