What is the Ion thruster?

Masahiro Hata

Research Group of Fundamental Computer Engineering

April 16, 2010

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Ion Thruster

It is a kind of rocket motor.Use electrically powered spacecraft propulsionsystem.

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Ion thruster mechanisms

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1 Ionization :The propellant is ionized by the electrode.

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2 Acceleration :The ion is accelerated according to the potential

difference.

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3 Neutralization:The ion beam is neutralized.3 / 11

Ion thruster’s characteristic

High specific impulseLow spacecraft accelerationHigh velocityErosion of the electrode

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HAYABUSA

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Ion source

Neutralizer

Using xenon ions generated by microwave ECR.

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Operation by ion thruster

The ion is generated by the energy of the photovoltaic

generation.

Space navigation by posture control and orbit correction.

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Conclusion

The ion thruster is a technology necessary for the spacenavigation, and development and the proving test areadvanced now.

Let’s assist in HAYABUSA all together!!

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Conclusion

The ion thruster is a technology necessary for the spacenavigation, and development and the proving test areadvanced now.

Let’s assist in HAYABUSA all together!!

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Thank you.10 / 11

Reference

[1]}金川隆保, “マイクロ波放電式小型イオンエンジンの数値解析,”(2008)

[2]}宇宙航空研究開発機構 (JAXA),

http://www.jaxa.jp/index j.html

[3]}Wikipedia - Ion Thruster,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion thruster

[4]}しきしまふげん,現代萌衛星図鑑,三才ブックス,(2009)

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