Application of RIT-22 Thruster for InterhelioProbe Mission

Аuthors

Konstantinov M. S.^*, Petukhov V. G.^**, Loeb H. W.^***

Justus-Liebig-Universität,

*e-mail: mkonst@bk.ru
**e-mail: vgpetukhov@gmail.com
***e-mail: H.W.Loeb@exp1.physik.uni-giessen.de

Abstract

It is considered application of electric propulsion (EP) module based on radiofrequency ion thruster RIT-22, as a main propulsion system of InterhelioProbe solar orbiter. It is presented comparison of RIT-22 option with stationary plasma thruster SPT-140D and bipropellant propulsion options. Carried out mission analysis shows the RIT-22 option is preferable for InterhelioProbe spacecraft.

Keywords:

electric propulsion system; spacecraft radiofrequency ion thruster; InterhelioProbe mission; mission analysis

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