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Cited by 207Plasma Diagnostics and ApplicationsParticle accelerators and beam dynamicsSpacecraft Design and Technology

Ion thrusters for electric propulsion: Scientific issues developing a niche technology into a game changer

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Holste, K., Dietz, P., Scharmann, S., Keil, K., Henning, T., Zschätzsch, D., Reitemeyer, M., Nauschütt, B. +18 more·2020·Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI 10.1063/5.0010134
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Abstract

The transition from old space to new space along with increasing commercialization has a major impact on space flight, in general, and on electric propulsion (EP) by ion thrusters, in particular. Ion thrusters are nowadays used as primary propulsion systems in space. This article describes how these changes related to new space affect various aspects that are important for the development of EP systems. Starting with a historical overview of the development of space flight and of the technology of EP systems, a number of important missions with EP and the underlying technologies are presented. The focus of our discussion is the technology of the radio frequency ion thruster as a prominent member of the gridded ion engine family. Based on this discussion, we give an overview of important research topics such as the search for alternative propellants, the development of reliable neutralizer concepts based on novel insert materials, as well as promising neutralizer-free propulsion concepts. In addition, aspects of thruster modeling and requirements for test facilities are discussed. Furthermore, we address aspects of space electronics with regard to the development of highly efficient electronic components as well as aspects of electromagnetic compatibility and radiation hardness. This article concludes with a presentation of the interaction of EP systems with the spacecraft.

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  • Three-dimensional codes are now sufficiently mature to be used for optimization and design of accelerating grids, minimizing ion impacts.

    “Three-dimensional codes, including commercial ones, are then capable of simulating realistic conditions, including a large number of grid apertures. They are now sufficiently mature to be used for the optimization and design of the accelerating grids (thickness, spacing, and grid voltages) minimizing the ion impacts on the grids (see Ref. 8 for a more complete overview of the available tools).”

    From Plasma propulsion modeling with particle-based algorithms (2023) · cites this paper as [8]

    The Acceleration region (p. 18) identifies available 3D codes for simulating ion-beam extraction and describes calculations of ion impacts and grid erosion. Modeling (p. 30) says dedicated codes are developed to design and optimize thruster components. The copy does not establish that 3D codes are sufficiently mature to optimize accelerating-grid thickness, spacing, and voltages specifically to minimize ion impacts. (LLM, conf=0.82)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Thrusters based on inductively coupled plasma discharges are among the oldest electric propulsion technologies remaining in active use.

    “Thrusters based on inductively coupled plasma discharges are among the oldest EP technologies 147 remaining in active use nowadays 8 .”

    From Plasma propulsion modeling with particle-based algorithms (2023) · cites this paper as [8]

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Authors
Holste, K., Dietz, P., Scharmann, S., Keil, K., Henning, T., Zschätzsch, D., Reitemeyer, M., Nauschütt, B., Kiefer, F., Kunze, F., Zorn, J., Heiliger, C., Joshi, N., Probst, U., Thüringer, R., Volkmar, C., Packan, D., Peterschmitt, S., Brinkmann, K. T., Zaunick, H.-G., Thoma, M. H., Kretschmer, M., Leiter, H. J., Schippers, S., Hannemann, K., & Klar, P. J.
Affiliations
  • Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (DE)
  • Institute of Experimental Physics I, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, 35392 Giessen, Germany
  • Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (DE)
  • Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences, Wiesenstr. 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
  • Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales (FR)
Corresponding author
Holste, K.
ORCID
Venue
Review of Scientific Instruments
Publisher
AIP Publishing
Published
2020-06-01
Volume
91
Issue
6
Pages
061101
ISSN
  • 0034-6748 (ISSN-L)
  • 1089-7623
DOI
10.1063/5.0010134
OpenAlex
W3037187113
Cited by
207
References
3
Citations by year
2026: 25 · 2025: 36 · 2024: 39 · 2023: 45 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 3
FWCI
9.19
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Review of Scientific Instruments (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • HAL (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (50RS1502, 50RS1709, 50RK1948, 50RS1707, 50RM1530)
  • Horizon 2020 Framework Program (730028, 870506, 870336)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Plasma Diagnostics and Applications
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Aerospace Engineering › Particle accelerators and beam dynamics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Aerospace Engineering › Spacecraft Design and Technology
Keywords
ion thrusters, electric propulsion, radio-frequency ion thruster, New Space, commercial spaceflight, alternative propellants, neutralizer, thruster modeling, test facility, space electronics, electromagnetic compatibility, radioresistance

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