In-space Propulsion Systems Overview

Principles

Definition

In-space propulsion systems is a field within aerospace engineering and physics dedicated to the research, design, development, and application of technologies that generate thrust for spacecraft in vacuo. This area investigates the principles and methodologies for achieving controlled changes in velocity (delta-v) and orientation (attitude control) necessary for orbital maneuvers, station keeping, interplanetary transit, and deep space exploration, emphasizing characteristics such as high specific impulse, efficiency, mass constraints, and reliability under space conditions.

Ontological type

Propulsion Technologies

Mission Applications

Performance Trade-offs

Key developments

Key Figures

Xenon Ion Maturation era

John Brophy [1], associated with California Institute of Technology [3], was a leading figure in the maturation of xenon ion propulsion. His key contributions, exemplified by NASA’s Deep Space 1 ion engine (plenary) [6] and Electric Propulsion for Solar System Exploration [7], helped articulate the path for scalable, flight-qualified electric propulsion and catalyzed cross-mission adoption during this period. R. M. Winglee [2], affiliated with University of Washington [4] and University of California, Berkeley [5], was a key figure in the maturation of xenon ion propulsion. His work on Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion: Tapping the energy of the solar wind for spacecraft propulsion [8] helped explore alternative plasma-propulsion concepts and supported maturation and cross-mission adoption of electric propulsion in this period.

High-Power Electric Integration era

P. Janhunen[1], affiliated with the University of Helsinki[3] and the Lapland University of Applied Sciences[4] during this era, is a central figure in solar wind sail concepts. His 2007 Simulation study of solar wind push on a charged wire: basis of solar wind electric sail propulsion[6], the 2010 Invited Article: Electric solar wind sail: Toward test missions[7], and the 2009 Increased electric sail thrust through removal of trapped shielding electrons by orbit chaotisation due to spacecraft body[8] collectively advanced the feasibility and scalability of solar wind electric propulsion for high-power, long-duration missions. Alessandro A. Quarta[2], associated with the University of Pisa[5], contributed to the electric solar wind sail by co-authoring Invited Article: Electric solar wind sail: Toward test missions[7]. This collaboration helped translate concept ideas into testable mission concepts, accelerating the era's system-level integration of high-power electric propulsion by detailing aims, mission architectures, and instrument needs for beamed-support and propellantless approaches, as discussed in Invited Article: Electric solar wind sail: Toward test missions[7].

Electric Propulsion Convergence era

Igor Levchenko [1] engaged with the Electric Propulsion Convergence era (2014–2020) through affiliations with Brisbane School of Theology [3] and Nanyang Technological University [4]. Levchenko [1] contributed to Space micropropulsion systems for Cubesats and small satellites: From proximate targets to furthermost frontiers [5] and Perspectives, frontiers, and new horizons for plasma-based space electric propulsion [6], highlighting scalable, integrated approaches and green-propulsion concepts essential to this era. Kateryna Bazaka [2] likewise interacts with Brisbane School of Theology [3] and Nanyang Technological University [4] in this era. Bazaka [2] co-authored Space micropropulsion systems for Cubesats and small satellites: From proximate targets to furthermost frontiers [5] and Perspectives, frontiers, and new horizons for plasma-based space electric propulsion [6], illustrating how cross-disciplinary perspectives on micropropulsion and plasma science contribute to the era's convergence of small-scale and high-power propulsion systems.