Simple solution to control the direction of the thrust vector in space plasma thrusters, with no moving mechanical parts, and without affecting the internal operation and efficiency of the thruster or the satellite operation.
Researchers from the Technical University of Madrid propose a new solution to guide a plasma jet using a steerable magnetic nozzle.
Its application allows deflecting the thrust vector 10 to 15 degrees in any direction from the thruster axis. It provides greater flexibility for the space mission, allowing the compensation of thrust misalignments without requiring any gimballed platform.
The system is applicable to any plasma thruster compatible with a quasi-axial magnetic field, which covers many of the existing and future plasma thrusters.
The proposed solution consists of a magnetic field generator that allows the controlled deflection of a plasma jet without any moving parts.
This constitutes a clean alternative to current solutions characterized by the presence of moving parts or naked electrodes, which unavoidably increase the weight and complexity of the system, and can deteriorate the efficiency of the thruster.
“VecMan can control the thrust vector direction from a space plasma thruster in 10-15 degrees”
Space & Communications
Space
ICT, embedded systems for communications
“Vectorial Magnetic thrust with no moving mechanical parts and without affecting the operation of the satellite, greatly increasing the operational capacity of the propulsive system”
Contact solution
Mario Merino Martínez; mario.merino@upm.es
Eduardo Ahedo Galilea; eduardo.ahedo@upm.es
UPM contact
Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Area
Centre of Support for Technological Innovation – UPM
e: innovacion.tecnologica@upm.es