Plasmas for spacecraft propulsion

TLDR

This review outlines the fundamentals of plasma discharges for electric spacecraft propulsion. It reviews mature gridded ion and Hall thrusters, then examines emerging plasma thrusters using low‑pressure, high‑density inductively coupled or wave‑excited sources such as radiofrequency helicon and helicon double‑layer designs. The review summarizes mission highlights, illustrating challenges for future high‑power propulsion in distant space.

Abstract

This review presents the basics of plasma discharges applied to electric spacecraft propulsion. It briefly reports on the mature and flown technologies of gridded ion thrusters and Hall thrusters before exploring the recent yet immature technology of plasma thrusters based on expansion from low pressure high density inductively coupled and wave-excited plasma sources, e.g. the radiofrequency helicon source. Prototype development of plasma engines for future space travel is discussed using the example of the helicon double layer thruster. A summary of highlights in electric propulsion based space missions gives some insight into the challenges of future high power missions in more remote regions of space.