Space propulsion breakthrough: new spacecraft ion engine tested

In summary, the European Space Agency and the Australian National University have successfully tested a new design of spacecraft ion engine called the Dual-Stage 4-Grid (DS4G) thruster. This engine, built in just four months, achieved voltage differences as high as 30kV and propelled an ion exhaust plume at 210,000 m/s - four times faster than current designs. This is a major advancement in space propulsion capability. The DS4G engine has two stages, unlike the classic ion thruster used in Deep Space 1. Other concepts and research are also being explored by ESA and ANU, such as the Safe Thruster and magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) engines.
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The European Space Agency and the Australian National University have successfully tested a new design of spacecraft ion engine that dramatically improves performance over present thrusters and marks a major step forward in space propulsion capability.

The new experimental engine, called the Dual-Stage 4-Grid (DS4G) ion thruster, was designed and built under a contract with ESA in the extremely short time of four months by a dedicated team at the Australian National University.

The test model achieved voltage differences as high as 30kV and produced an ion exhaust plume that traveled at 210,000 m/s, over four times faster than state-of-the-art ion engine designs achieve.
http://www.physorg.com/news9786.html :smile:
 
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  • #2
Very interesting, Astro. I wasn't aware of the ion erosion problem.
 
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Ion erosion is a problem is most if not all ion thrusters, whether electrostatic or EM. In magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD), there is the additional problem of cathode spotting - localized accelerated erosion where the arc current is higher.
 
  • #4
What is the difference between these engines and the Deep Space 1's engine?
 
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1. How does the ion engine work?

The ion engine works by using electricity to ionize a gas, usually xenon, and then accelerating the ions out of the spacecraft at high speeds using an electric field. This creates thrust, which propels the spacecraft forward.

2. How is this new ion engine different from current spacecraft propulsion methods?

This new ion engine is different because it uses a different type of ionization source, called a radio frequency (RF) ionization source, which allows for greater efficiency and higher speeds compared to traditional ion engines.

3. What are the potential benefits of this breakthrough in space propulsion?

The potential benefits of this breakthrough include faster and more efficient space travel, as well as the ability to reach farther distances in space. It could also lead to smaller and more cost-effective spacecraft designs.

4. What limitations does this new ion engine have?

Some potential limitations of this new ion engine may include the need for a large power source to generate the electric field, and potential challenges in scaling up the technology for larger spacecraft. Additionally, it may still require traditional chemical or nuclear propulsion methods for initial launch into space.

5. When can we expect to see this new ion engine being used in space missions?

It is difficult to predict an exact timeline, as further testing and development is needed before this new ion engine can be used in space missions. However, with successful testing, it could potentially be incorporated into future space missions in the next decade or so.

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