'Helical Engine' Concept Could Reach 99% the Speed of Light
| Helical Engine | |||
| NTRS Full-Text: | View Document [PDF Size: 1.6 MB] | ||
| Author and Affiliation: |
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| Abstract: | A new concept for in-space propulsion is proposed in which propellant is not ejected from the engine, but instead is captured to create a nearly infinite specific impulse. The engine accelerates ions confined in a loop to moderate relativistic speeds, and then varies their velocity to make slight changes to their mass. The engine then moves ions back and forth along the direction of travel to produce thrust. This in-space engine could be used for long-term satellite station-keeping without refueling. It could also propel spacecraft across interstellar distances, reaching close to the speed of light. The engine has no moving parts other than ions traveling in a vacuum line, trapped inside electric and magnetic fields. | ||
| Publication Date: | August 19, 2019 | ||
| Document ID: | 20190029657 (Acquired August 29, 2019) | ||
| Subject Category: | SPACECRAFT PROPULSION AND POWER | ||
| Technical Review Type: | Single Expert | ||
| Report/Patent Number: | MSFC-E-DAA-TN71086 | ||
| Document Type: | Presentation | ||
| Publication Information: | SEE 20190029294 | ||
| Meeting Information: | AIAA Propulsion Energy Forum and Exposition; August 19, 2019 - August 22, 2019; Indianapolis, IN; United States | ||
| Meeting Sponsor: | American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); Reston, VA, United States | ||
| Financial Sponsor: | NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; ST01 Science and Technology Office (ST); Huntsville, AL, United States | ||
| Description: | 16p; In English | ||
| Distribution Limits: | Unclassified; Publicly available; Unlimited | ||
| Rights: | No Copyright; Work of the U.S. Government - Public use permitted | ||
| NASA Terms: | ELECTRIC FIELDS; ENGINE DESIGN; ION PROPULSION; IONS; MAGNETIC FIELDS; MOMENTUM TRANSFER; PROPELLANTS; SPACECRAFT PROPULSION; SPECIFIC IMPULSE; STATIONKEEPING; VELOCITY | ||
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