 |
| |
ESA-sponsored activities on Magneto-plasma-dynamic (MPD) propulsion were initiated in Italy in the early 80's. In subsequent years the focus of industrial development gradually shifted towards shorter term concepts. As a result, responsability for this line now lies entirely at Centrospazio.
Improved understanding of the basic physical processes taking place in purely electromagnetic devices is expected to provide useful information, not only with respect to the eventual development of MPD thrusters, but also regarding arcjet development, especially at relatively high power levels.
 |
 |
|
The thrusters are tested in a quasisteady operation mode to simulate continuous operation at multi-megawatt power levels over periods of the order of a few milliseconds. Experimental activities underway include electrical characterization, performance measurements and plume diagnostics as a function of the thruster geometry and scale, under a broad range of operating conditions.
Computational Plasma Physics | Orbital Mechanics | Staff | Facilities | Other electric propulsion sites
Consorzio Pisa Ricerche homepage
