ELECTRIC PROPULSION AND POWER REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE VEHICLES

Electric propulsion fundamentals are briefly covered along with several types of electric propulsion thrust devices and their characteristics. Several possible missions are listed which could be applicable for electric propulsion. Power requirements are presented in parametric form for the specific missions of a low-altitude sustainer and orbit transfers. Off-optimum operations are considered in the case of the 200–22,300 mile orbit transfer. Other missions such as changing the orbital plane are briefly covered.