<p>Electric propulsion thrusters play a crucial role in the success of space missions, particularly for spacecraft like satellites, by supporting essential operations such as station-keeping and maneuvering, thereby extending their operational lifespan. Additionally, they serve as a de-orbiting system at the end of the mission, ensuring a controlled and safe operation. This literature review categorizes electric propulsion thrusters into three main types based on how kinetic energy is imparted to the working fluid: electro-thermal<b>,</b> electrostatic, and electromagnetic systems. To highlight recent advancements, the review examines original researches of electric propulsion thrusters from each category, focusing on their technical characteristics such as thrust and specific impulse. Among these, electrostatic thrusters, including Hall-effect and ion thrusters, receive special attention due to their prominent use as primary propulsion systems in modern missions. These systems offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency and reliability, making them the preferred choice for many applications. The review also emphasizes the importance of cost considerations in the selection of propulsion systems, factors such as the cost of propellants, initial thruster costs, and operational expenses are critical in optimizing mission budgets. Although Xenon has been the traditional choice for electric propulsion due to its high atomic mass and ease of ionization, its high cost and limited availability have prompted research into alternative propellants like iodine, which offers advantages such as lower cost, higher storage density, and ease of handling in its solid state, making it a promising alternative for future missions.</p>

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Advancements in Electric Propulsion: Classification, Propellant Selection and Cost Efficiency

  • Khaled Teffah,
  • Omar Lamini,
  • Hemza Layachi,
  • Zine elabidine Hebboul,
  • Hatem Houhou

摘要

Electric propulsion thrusters play a crucial role in the success of space missions, particularly for spacecraft like satellites, by supporting essential operations such as station-keeping and maneuvering, thereby extending their operational lifespan. Additionally, they serve as a de-orbiting system at the end of the mission, ensuring a controlled and safe operation. This literature review categorizes electric propulsion thrusters into three main types based on how kinetic energy is imparted to the working fluid: electro-thermal, electrostatic, and electromagnetic systems. To highlight recent advancements, the review examines original researches of electric propulsion thrusters from each category, focusing on their technical characteristics such as thrust and specific impulse. Among these, electrostatic thrusters, including Hall-effect and ion thrusters, receive special attention due to their prominent use as primary propulsion systems in modern missions. These systems offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency and reliability, making them the preferred choice for many applications. The review also emphasizes the importance of cost considerations in the selection of propulsion systems, factors such as the cost of propellants, initial thruster costs, and operational expenses are critical in optimizing mission budgets. Although Xenon has been the traditional choice for electric propulsion due to its high atomic mass and ease of ionization, its high cost and limited availability have prompted research into alternative propellants like iodine, which offers advantages such as lower cost, higher storage density, and ease of handling in its solid state, making it a promising alternative for future missions.