34th International Field Emission Symposium / 34ème Symposium International d'Emission de Champ
J. Phys. Colloques 48 (1987) C6-171-C6-176
DOI: 10.1051/jphyscol:1987628
LIQUID METAL ION SOURCES AS THRUSTERS FOR ELECTRIC SPACE PROPULSION
J. MitterauerInstitut für Allgemeine Elektrotechnik und Elektronik Technische Universität Wien, Gusshausstrasse 27-29, A-1040 Wien, Austria
Abstract
Electric space propulsion systems are characterized according their inherent features and specified domains of application in space missions. Particularly the Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP)-system using a liquid metal ion source as a thruster is described and recent results on its emission performance are presented.