Numéro
J. Phys. Colloques
Volume 48, Numéro C6, Novembre 1987
34th International Field Emission Symposium / 34ème Symposium International d'Emission de Champ
Page(s) C6-171 - C6-176
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jphyscol:1987628
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. Mitterauer

Institut 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.