Stationary plasma thrusters operate in space

Abstract

The first ÉOL-1 flight propulsion system with a stationary plasma thruster created at the Fakel Experimental and Design Bureau (EDB) on the basis of an experimental thruster designed and tested at the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy is described. Subsequent versions of the ÉOL-type systems designed at the Fakel EDB using M-70, M-100, and other thrusters are reviewed. The current state of work on stationary plasma thrusters in the world is analyzed. The Phobos-Grunt project, whose aim is to deliver soil samples from Phobos and which implies the use of stationary plasma thrusters, is discussed.