Testing a helicon double layer thruster immersed in a. The ducted thruster body is 181 mm long and has a maximum diameter of 92 mm. So far, there is no theoretical explanation for the formation. It was created by australian scientist dr christine charles, based on a technology invented by professor rod boswell. Pdf performance characterization of a helicon double. Performance degradation mechanism of a helicon plasma thruster. The segment aired on monday march 5 and includes an interview with dr christine charles and phd student, michael west and footage of the helicon double layer thruster operating inside a new space simulation vacuum facility. Ion acceleration mechanisms of helicon thrusters mitchell walker. The experimental evidence of a current free helicon double layer envisages tantalizing performance of a thruster exploiting this effect. Numerical simulations of the helicon double layer thruster. Helicon double layer thruster concept the hdlt is a magnetoplasma thruster based upon the recent discovery of a currentfree electric double layer in an inductively coupled plasma that is driven by a helicon antenna, expanding in a. This paper discusses the importance of fusion propulsion for interplanetary space travel, illustrates why the magnetoinertial fusion parameter space may facilitate the most rapid, economic path for development, justifies the choice of pulsed z pinch, and provides a potential development path leading up to a technical readiness level 9 system. The high power helicon is a state of the art electrodeless plasma thruster.
See more ideas about astronomy, space travel and space exploration. Sequential firing of a row of electromagnets accelerates the payload along a path. Xenon ion beam characterization in a helicon double layer. High efficiency operation of a highthrust, lowspecific impulse hall thruster for inspace propulsion. Lomonosov moscow state university, faculty of physics, moscow, russian federation. In acrobat, you can use the merge files into a single pdf command to combine pdf documents that contain layers.
Whereas the open thruster body is 281 mm long and has a maximum diameter of 109 mm. In our experiments, the contraction was made at the end of the thruster model. The helicon double layer thruster hdlt concept is based on the recent discovery of a currentfree electric double layer dl in a helicon plasma expanding in a diverging magnetic field. Pdf the performance of a helicon double layer thruster hdlt has been characterized. As this service is recognized by the main marine class societies, the thruster overhaul intervals can be extended according to the condition of the. To merge pdfs or just to add a page to a pdf you usually have to buy expensive software. Case and development path for fusion propulsion journal. The layers for each document are grouped under a separate heading in the layers panel of the navigation pane. This mean that issues associated with erosion of electrode by the plasma is eliminated. Detail helicon doublelayer thruster risks and reduce helicon doublelayer thruster costs. This new propulsion concept has the potential to propel humans to mars and beyond and greatly decrease the costs of maintaining satellites and spacecraft in their desired orbits. Helicon double layer thruster press archive cpf anu. All existing and contemplated mass drivers use coils of wire energized by electricity to make electromagnets. The helicon double layer thruster hdlt is being developed in the space plasma, power and propulsion group led by professor christine charles at the research school of physics at the australian national university in canberra, australia.
Unify helicon doublelayer thruster goals and correct helicon doublelayer thruster management by competencies. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service. A mass driver or electromagnetic catapult is a proposed method of nonrocket spacelaunch which would use a linear motor to accelerate and catapult payloads up to high speeds. The helicon doublelayer thruster is a prototype spacecraft propulsion engine. Transport of ion beam in an annular magnetically expanding. Helicon double layer thruster performance enhancement via. Testing a helicon double layer thruster immersed in a spacesimulation chamber. Helicon double layer thruster concept for high power nep missions. Our servers in the cloud will handle the pdf creation for you once you have combined your files.
Pdf testing a helicon double layer thruster immersed in. Pdf performance characterization of a helicon double layer. The thrust and plasma parameters generated by a helicon double layer thruster op erating at a power level of 250 w with krypton propellant has been. Development of an ion thruster and power processor for new. Since the thruster gives off quite a bit of exhaust, which can then interfere with readings, this particular vacuum chamber is apparently the only one in the us that can properly test the x3. Keithley product specifications, model 6485 picoammeter instruction manual, keithley. A part of the performance degradation mechanism of the advanced, electrodeless, helicon plasma thruster with a magnetic nozzle, has been revealed by. Mass driver last updated february 07, 2020 artists conception of a mass driver on the moon a mass driver or electromagnetic catapult is a proposed method of nonrocket spacelaunch which would use a linear motor to accelerate and catapult payloads up to high speeds. Pdf space simulation testing of the helicon double layer. Both the experiment and theory show that the operating range of. Performance characterization of a helicon double layer thruster using direct thrust measurements. The helicon double layer thruster recently featured in a segment on skywatch which aired on abc 2 tvs australiawide program.
Helicon double layer thruster hdlt operating inside a large volume spacesimulation vacuum chamber. Nasas x3 ion thruster smashes records in test firings. Helicontype radiofrequency plasma thrusters and magnetic plasma. Ion and hall thrusters march 2008 the research described in this publication was carried out at the jet propulsion laboratory, california institute of technology, under a contract with the national aeronautics and space administration. Deepspace or near earth planets nep explorations require large. The plasma itself is generated by high power radio frequency waves that allow substantial felixbility in operational characteristics. Although some progress has been achieved, at the present time a. Final report 1 final publishable summary report cordis. Helicon double layer thruster concept for high power nep. The duct is a typical 19a design with a lengthdiameter ratio of 0. Dynamics of propeller blade and duct loading on ventilated. Helicon double layer thruster sp3 has invented the worlds first helicon double layer thruster hdlt.
Development of an ion thruster and power processor for new millenniums deep space 1 mission james s. Division of space plasma power and propulsion cpf anu. What knowledge, skills and characteristics mark a good digital scent technology project manager. The present work is devoted to the investigation of the radiofrequency rf inductive discharge placed in an external magnetic field. This allowed us to reach ion energies of 175 ev at gas flow rate of 2 sccm combining. Figure 4 shows the schematic diagrams of the permanent magnet helicon double layer thruster pmhdlt attached to a pendulum thrust. A proof of concept of a helicon double layer thruster has been performed at the australian national university with some direct thrust measurements 9.
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