Ion ThrustersMichael Fountain

Overview What Is An Ion

Thruster How It Works Applications The Future

What Is An Ion Thruster Form of electric propulsion that creates

thrust by accelerating ions Electrostatic – use Coulomb Force Electromagnetic – use Lorentz Force

Currently Only Practical in Space

What Is An Ion Thruster Low Thrust, High Efficiency

0.5 N of Thrust 200,000 mph top speed

18,000 mph in Space Shuttle Low impulse = 90% efficiency

35% in Space Shuttle

How It Works

Applications Satellite Stabilization Deep Space I SMART I

The Future Prometheus

Nuclear Powered Ion Thrusters

Deep Space Human Exploration

The Future TIE Fighters?

Twin Ion Engine

References http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/

technology/Ion_Propulsion1.html http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/

features/nep_prometheus.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster

Conclusion What Is An Ion

Thruster How It Works Applications The Future

Questions?